Transrectal 12-core biopsy of the prostate guided by transrectal ultrasonography

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of transrectal ultrasound guided systematic 12-sample needle biopsy in patients with elevated serum prostate-specific antigen and/or abnormal digital rectal examination findings. Methods The data of 220 patients who underwent 12-sample transrectal ultrasound guided needle biopsy (comprising conventional 6 biopsies and 3 biopsies in each lateral peripheral zone) of the prostate were retrospectively analyzed. Results Of the 220 patients,73 (33.2%) had prostate cancers on biopsy;the clinical stages were as follows:4 cases of stage T 1,21 of T 2,15 of T 3 and 33 of T 4.If the conventional 6-core biopsy alone was performed, the detection rate would be 31.4%,4 cases (3 of stage T 1 and 1 of stage T 2,all with tumor volume less than 0.5 ml) would be missed. The improvement by 12-core biopsy was marked in patients with stage T 1-T 2 prostate disease (16%,4/25).No serious complications were observed in patients with transrectal ultrasound guided systematic 12-core biopsy of the prostate. Conclusions The 12-sample procedure can improve the cancer detection rate of the early stage prostate cancer and tumor with volume less than 0.5 ml.Therefore,more attention should be paid to the lateral peripheral zone biopsy.