[Diagnostic yield of the extended prostatic biopsy with 10 cores. Prospective study on 222 patients].

Objectives: The number of biopsy samples for a proper prostate cancer diagnosis has not yet been established. We report our experience with the 10-sample extended biopsy.

Methods: We collected the results of a group of 222 patients undergoing extended ultrasound guided prostate biopsy with 10 samples.

[Tolerability and complications of the ultrasound guided transrectal biopsy of the prostate extended to 10 cores. The role of neurovascular bundle blockage with lidocaine].

Objectives: The growing interest on increasing the number of biopsy samples during ultrasound guided prostatic biopsies moved us to evaluate the tolerability and complications of the extensive biopsy with/without blockage of neurovascular bundles.

Methods: A group of 222 patients underwent prostatic biopsy with the aim to obtain 10 cores on each. After evaluation of the first 50 cases performed without anesthesia, decision was taken to proceed with neurovascular blockage with 2% lidocaine, comparatively evaluating both groups for results on tolerability, complications and global adverse events.

[The role of prostate volume in ultrasound guided transrectal prostate biopsy: is it as important as a marker as PSA?].

Objectives: The limitations of PSA to identify patients with prostate cancer prompted the definition of different parameters trying to increase specificity without reducing sensitivity. This paper studies the relationship of volume and presence of prostate cancer in sextant biopsies.

Methods: We collected the results of prostate biopsies performed to 6000 patients between 1994 and 2002.

[Results of a series of transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate in 6000 patients. Part II: PSA derived parameters].

Objectives: We review the results of 6000 patients with the clinical suspect of prostate cancer who underwent one or more prostate, biopsies, analyzing the role of PSA derived parameters in the probability of having prostate cancer in the TRUS biopsy.

Methods: We selected 6000 patients who under- went TRUS biopsy between 1994 and 2002. 861 of them underwent more than one is biopsy, adding up to a total of 7127 biopsies.

[Results of a series of transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate in 6000 patients. Part I: pathology, digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasound, and PSA].

Objectives: To analyze the results of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsy of the prostate in 6000 patients, and their relation to common-use clinical parameters.

Methods: We collected PSA, digital rectal examination, TRUS characteristics, and pathology report in a data- base including 6000 patients who underwent sextant TRUS biopsy from 1994 to December 2002. 861 of them underwent more than one biopsy, accounting for a total of 7127 biopsies.

[Current status of high-resolution scrotal echography].

Objectives: To review the main images that can be observed by ultrasound, trying to highlight what decision to take after their finding: exploratory surgery, orchyectomy, or follow-up.

Methods: We performed a bibliographic review about the topic and incorporated our personal experience with scrotal ultrasound. Given that there is an extensive variety of anomalies that can be observed we divide them in liquid and solid lesions, and these in intra or extratesticular, plus a group of lesions that do not qualify in the previous groups.

[Comparison of prostate volume measured by transrectal and abdominal echography and its implication for the measurement of the PSA density for the diagnosis of prostate cancer].

Objective: To compare PSA density (PSAD) results based on prostate volume measurements obtained by either transrectal or abdominal ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Methods: We prospectively selected 420 consecutive subjects whom at the time of a transrectal US (TRUS) guided biopsy or an abdominal US had the other US evaluation done within the previous 6 months and who did not undergo hormonal, surgical o radiotherapeutic therapy. For both abdominal and transrectal US PSAD (PSA/volume) were obtained from this data and compared, with volumes calculated using the formula: V = antero-posterior diameter2 x transverse diameter/2.

[Complications of prostatic echo-guided transrectal biopsy and tolerance depending on the patient and the operator. Study of 205 patients].

Objective: Ultrasound-guided transrectal biopsy of the prostate is generally considered to be well-tolerated and with few complications. The results of a prospective study that evaluated patient and biopsy performer's perception of the foregoing aspects are presented.

Methods: The records of 305 consecutive patients submitted to ultrasound-guided transrectal biopsy were analyzed.