[US guided biopsy in the early diagnosis of prostatic cancer. A series of 66 cases].

Aim: Our study's aim is to evaluate the reliability of digital rectal examination and serum PSA in the indication of prostatic biopsy.

Methods: 66 patients with abnormal digital rectal examination and arised PSA levels had prostatic biopsies. The sextant technique was practiced.

Results: The digital rectal examination had a sensitivity of 65%, a specificity of 45% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 34.3%. The serum PSA had a PPV of 25%. The association if these two parameters arised the PPV to 39.5%. Cancer detection rate was estimated to 30.3%.

Conclusions: Prostatic biopsies should be indicated according to the result of digital rectal examination and serum PSA.