Prostate biopsy: a survey of practice among Nigerian urologists

Abstract

Background: Prostate biopsy is a commonly performed outpatient procedure in urology. It is a rapidly changing field with wide variation in practice pattern. The aim of this study is to document the current practice of prostate biopsy among Nigerian urologists. Methods: A prospectively designed, self-administered, 16-item survey questionnaire was distributed among urologists and trainees at the 24th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Urological Surgeons (NAUS). The survey covers various aspect of prostate biopsy including indications for biopsy, prophylactic antibiotic regimen use, methods of bowel preparation, number of biopsy cores taken, complications among others. Results: Fifty-one completed questionnaires were returned, out of 76 distributed, giving a response rate of 67%. Majority of the respondents were Consultant urologist 47 (92%), most of them practice in the public health system 46 (90.2%), and performed more than 5 prostate needle biopsy per month 37 (72.5%). All respondents administer prophylactic antibiotics prior to biopsy, with intravenous Gentamycin being the most commonly administered prophylactics 14 (27.5%), only a few perform bowel preparations prior to biopsy 8 (15.7%) with Dulcolax suppository being the most commonly employed agents 5 (63%). Most of the biopsy were done under transrectal ultrasound guidance 29 (56.9%). None of the respondents performed MRI-guided transrectal biopsy. Most respondents take 8–12 core biopsy 20 (39.2%), using 18G trucut biopsy needle 31 (60.8%), with the patient in left lateral decubitus position 26 (51%), under 2% intrarectal xylocaine instillation 28 (54.9%). The commonest complication after the procedure was bleeding per rectum 20 (39.2%), followed by haematuria 9 (17.6%), and infection 8 (15.7%). Conclusion: There is universal use of prophylactic antibiotic prior to biopsy. However, bowel preparation prior to biopsy is not common among Nigerian urologist, and MRI-guided biopsy is very rarely done for prostate biopsy. There is need for a prostate biopsy guideline among Nigerian urologists to ensure uniformity of practice, and enhance standardized service delivery.