Diagnostic value of additional systematic prostate biopsies in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate.

OBJECTIVES

There are patients with obstructive voiding symptoms and suspicious screening parameters in whom prostate cancer (PC) cannot be excluded prior to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The goal of our study was to assess the diagnostic value of systematic biopsies of the peripheral zone of the prostate performed during TURP.

METHODS

Between 1990 and 1995, 132 patients (average age 69.5 +/- 7.4 years) with at least one suspicious screening parameter underwent a TURP and additional systematic prostate biopsies. Pathology reports were reviewed to verify whether PC was present in the TURP chips or in the biopsy cores.

RESULTS

Histologic examination found benign prostatic hyperplasia in 52, prostatitis in 53, and PC in 27 patients. PC was detected only with TURP in 11 patients (40.8%). In 15 patients (55.6%), both TURP and prostate biopsies showed PC. There was only 1 patient (3.7%) with a positive biopsy in whom the examination of the resection chips did not detect PC. In patients with negative digital rectal examination and intermediate prostate-specific antigen levels, prostate-specific antigen density was not able to differentiate between benign and cancerous lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

There seems to be a subgroup of patients where systematic and repeated prostate biopsies fail to detect PC prior to TURP. Although the increase in the detection rate through additional prostate biopsies of the peripheral zone is limited, we would recommend these biopsies in addition to TURP, especially if patients are eligible for further curative treatment options.