Quality of life of patients having transperineal biopsies for the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: It is becoming increasingly recognised that patients may experience varying degrees of urinary and erectile dysfunction that can last for uncertain periods of time following a biopsy. However, there is little specific data to enable the urologist to accurately inform their patient of the likelihood of this and other quality of life sequelae following a transperineal biopsy. METHODS: Patients were recruited from either a public hospital in Melbourne or the private practice of one of the investigators. Patients had their biopsies performed between October 2013 and July 2014. Using a prospective observational study design, we investigated the effects of transperineal biopsies on patients' urinary incontinence and sexual function using the patient-reported Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composit-26 (EPIC=26) instrument. Patients completed the questionnaire prior to the biopsy procedure, within 48hrs of biopsy and at 1- and 3-months post-procedure. Patients proceeding to a RARP during the observation period were removed form the subsequent follow-up. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients consented to be enrolled into this study. The median patient age was 63.5 (interquartile range, IQR, 54.5 - 67.0). A clinically significant difference in urinary incontinence was observed between the baseline and 3-month follow-up. DISCUSSION: This study found that patients experience a significant reduction in urinary incontinence scores (that is, reduced function) at 3-months after a transperineal biopsy measusre using the EPIC. No difference in sexual function were observed. Patients consenting for a transperineal biopsy should be counselled regarding this possible outcome.