Transrectal fine needle biopsy of the prostate: combined histological and cytological technique.

Transrectal fine needle biopsy was performed on 50 patients with suspicious prostatic examinations using the Surecut and Chiba needles. The 21 gauge Surecut needle provided a core of tissue for routine histology in 42 of 50 patients (84 per cent) as well as cells for cytology in 46 of 50 (92 per cent). This was in contrast to positive cytology results with the 22 gauge Chiba needle in 44 of 50 patients (88 per cent). Fourteen cancers were detected: 12 by Surecut histology, 11 by Surecut cytology and 10 by Chiba cytology testing, for sensitivity rates of 86, 79 and 71 per cent, respectively. Our results indicate that the 21 gauge Surecut needle provides cytology results equivalent to the 22 gauge Chiba needle. However, the Surecut needle has the added advantage of providing a core of tissue for routine histological study, and it can be used safely as an outpatient procedure on unprepared bowel.