Transrectal biopsy of the prostate: a review of 186 biopsies.

A retrospective review of 186 transrectal needle biopsies of the prostate has revealed that repeated use of the TruCutTM needle until it is ineffective does not affect its accuracy. A diagnostic correlation of 96% between the clinically malignant prostate and histopathologic diagnosis was achieved. This correlation was 10.5% with benign prostatic hypertrophy associated with a suspected malignant nodule. Minimal rectal haemorrhage complicated the procedure in 5.9% of cases. No other complication was documented.