[Efficacy of Ultrasound-guided Caudal Epidural Block for Transrectal Ultrasound-guided Prostate Biopsy].

Background: We investigated the efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided caudal epidural block for transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy.

Methods: Sixty adult patients (ASA I or II) were enrolled in this study and randomized into two groups: group S receiving spinal block (n = 30) and group C receiving US-guided caudal epidural block (n = 30). We measured systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), and degrees of sensory and motor blockade. Procedural time for regional anesthesia was recorded.

Results: Six patients in group C were excluded from analysis because of insufficient block effect. Spinal block caused a significant decrease in SBP compared to that with US-guided caudal epidural block (P < 0.05). Degrees of sensory and motor blockade were significantly greater in group S than in group C (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: US-guided caudal epidural block provided hemodynamic stability during TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. Furthermore, US-guided caudal epidural block effectively produced appropriate sensory blockade for TRUS-guided prostate biopsy with minimum motor blockade.