Complication rates of ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: A nation-wide survey in Japan

Objective: To assess the morbidity secondary to ultrasound-guided systematic prostate biopsy in Japan. Methods: Five hundred and forty-eight principal urological training institutions certified by the Japanese Urological Association participated in the survey. A retrospective analysis of complications after prostate biopsy was conducted. Results: Medical records of 212 065 procedures carried out between 2004 and 2006 were reviewed. Seventy-six percent of procedures had been carried out transrectally, and 23% transperineally. Hematuria, rectal bleeding and hematospermia occurred in 12%, 5.9% and 1.2% of cases, respectively. Voiding symptoms were reported after biopsy in 1.9% of cases and urinary retention in 1.1%. Fever (>38 degrees C) was observed in 1.1% and sepsis occurred in 0.07%. Hospitalization was required in 0.69% of cases for the treatment of biopsy-related complications. Conclusions: Overall, contemporary ultrasound-guided systematic prostate biopsy is safely carried out in Japan. However, minor complications are not infrequent, whereas major ones remain very rare but life-threatening if they occur. Thus, adequate information should be provided to patients undergoing prostate biopsy.