Comparison of transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy of the prostate and transurethral resection of the prostate for detection of prostate cancer in patients with moderate lower urinary tract symptoms

Abstract

Background: To compare transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy of the prostate and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for detection of prostate cancer (PCa) in patients with moderate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) by retrospective chart review.

Methods: Between January 2004 and December 2008, a total of 520 patients, aged 50.3-81.5 years, with moderate LUTS (International Prostate Symptom Score, 8-19), and elevation of prostate-specific antigen (≥ 4 ng/mL), or abnormal findings by digital rectal examination, were enrolled for evaluation. All the patients were recommended to receive TRUS-guided biopsy of the prostate (TRUS biopsy group) or TURP (TURP group) due to the possibility of PCa, according to their choice after full explanation by the doctors.

Results: There were 379 patients in the TRUS biopsy group and 141 in the TURP group. PCa was detected in 80 patients (21.1%) in the TRUS group and in 27 (19.1%) in the TURP group. Clinically localized PCa (T1-2N0M0) was found in 46 patients (57.5%) in the TRUS biopsy group and in 16 (59.3%) in the TURP group. Bone metastasis was noticed in 22 (27.5%) patients in the TRUS biopsy group and in 7 (25.9%) in the TURP group. The percentage of low-grade tumor was significantly higher in the TURP group than in the TRUS biopsy group (11.1% vs. 5%).

Conclusion: TURP was not superior to TRUS-guided biopsy of the prostate for detection of PCa in patients with moderate LUTS and prostate-specific antigen ≥ 4 ng/mL.