Routine Probe Compression After Transrectal Prostate Biopsy(RPCAB) to Reduce Bleeding and Infectious Complications : A Randomized Controlled Trial

Overview

Hematuria (up to 50%) and rectal bleeding (up to 30%) are common complications following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. Although most cases are mild, some require additional intervention. Short-duration compression has been shown to achieve hemostasis in cases of post-biopsy bleeding, suggesting that routine probe compression may reduce bleeding complications. Post-biopsy bleeding may also be associated with an increased risk of subsequent infection. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of routine probe compression and compression duration after transrectal prostate biopsy on bleeding and infectious complications.

Hematuria (approximately 50%) and rectal bleeding (approximately 30%) are common complications following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy \[1-3\]. Although most cases are self-limited, a subset of patients require additional intervention \[4\]. In cases of significant bleeding immediately after biopsy, ultrasound-guided probe compression has been used for hemostasis, with reported compression times ranging from 1 to 8 minutes (mean 2.9 minutes), suggesting that even short-duration compression may be effective \[4\]. Digital rectal compression for 5 minutes after biopsy has been shown to reduce intraprostatic hemorrhage (hematoma), thereby improving the accuracy of subsequent magnetic resonance imaging interpretation \[5\]. However, no randomized controlled trials have evaluated clinically significant bleeding outcomes, such as hematuria or rectal bleeding, as primary endpoints \[5\]. While a stepwise approach to managing moderate-to-severe rectal bleeding (initial direct compression followed by endoscopic hemostasis or embolization if needed) is generally accepted, there is no consensus regarding the optimal duration of initial compression \[6\]. Infectious complications following transrectal prostate biopsy occur in approximately 0.1-7.0% of patients, with sepsis reported in 0.3-3.1% \[7\]. Post-biopsy hematuria has been suggested as a potential clinical indicator of subsequent urinary tract infection \[8\]. Therefore, reducing bleeding complications may also contribute to the prevention of infectious complications. There is a clear need for randomized evidence evaluating the effect of routine probe compression and compression duration on both bleeding and infectious outcomes. This study aims to address this gap in the current evidence. Study Procedures Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio immediately after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy using a computer-generated randomization schedule to one of three groups based on probe compression duration: 0 minutes (no compression), 1 minute, or 3 minutes. Probe compression will be performed by a designated study investigator immediately after biopsy. Blinding will be maintained as much as feasible: the operator, participants, and outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation whenever possible. All participants will receive standard prophylactic measures according to institutional practice, including a single dose of intravenous ceftriaxone (2 g) followed by oral levofloxacin (500 mg) for 3 days, as well as rectal disinfection prior to biopsy. Follow-up will include a structured telephone interview within 7 days after biopsy to assess post-procedural symptoms (approximately 3 minutes in duration). In addition, participants will undergo an outpatient clinic visit between 7 and 14 days after biopsy, during which routine laboratory tests, including complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and urinalysis, will be performed. The study intervention may increase the total procedure time by up to 3 minutes, depending on the assigned compression duration (0, 1, or 3 minutes).