Comparison of local anesthesia techniques for pain control during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: A prospective randomized study.
Ahmed Chaabouni, Kays Chaker, Hazem Hachicha et al.
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In 30 seconds
This prospective randomized comparison evaluated intrarectal lidocaine gel versus periprostatic lidocaine nerve block for pain control during standard 12-core transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. It included 152 patients, with 76 allocated to each group. Visual analog scale pain scores were significantly lower in group 2 at ultrasound-probe insertion, after biopsy cores were taken, and 2 hours later (P<0.001 at each assessment). Post-biopsy complication rates were low and comparable between groups. The abstract does not identify which anesthetic technique corresponds to group 2, limiting interpretation of the comparison.
Key findings
- Among 152 patients, 76 were assigned to each anesthesia group.
- Group 2 had lower pain scores at probe insertion, after biopsy cores, and 2 hours later (P<0.001 at each assessment).
- Post-biopsy complication rates were low and comparable between groups.
Why it matters
Pain can affect tolerance and acceptance of prostate biopsy. This comparison suggests that the two local anesthesia approaches may differ in pain control, while reporting similar complication rates. However, because the abstract does not specify which technique was used in group 2, it does not allow clinicians to identify the better-performing approach from the reported results.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not identify which anesthesia technique corresponds to group 2, so the superior pain-control result cannot be attributed to either intervention. Pain was assessed immediately after the procedure and at 2 hours.