The effect of alpha blocker treatment prior to prostate biopsy on voiding functions, pain scores and health-related quality-of-life outcomes: A prospective randomized trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of alpha-blocker treatment prior to transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx) on voiding functions, pain scores and health-related quality-of-life outcomes.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

From January 2018 to April 2019, a total of 112 patients underwent TRUS-Bx due to elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or abnormal digital rectal examination findings. Patients were divided into 2 groups depending on whether they received pharmacological treatment before biopsy. Group 1 consisted of patients with no alpha-blocker treatment prior to biopsy and Group 2 consisted of patients who received Tamsulosin for one week before biopsy continuing for one week after biopsy. Voiding function was evaluated three times using the validated International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and uroflowmetry (maximal flow rate (Qmax) and residual volume (PVR)). The Turkish version of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36-item Questionnaire (SF-36) was used to assess health-related quality of life. Pain scores were rated according to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) just after the biopsy procedure.

RESULTS

Mean IPSS and Qmax on the post-biopsy 7 day were significantly in favor of Group 2 (P<0.001, P=0.004). Although post-biopsy day 7 PVR was similar between the groups, Δ1 PVR was significantly in favor of Group 2 (P=0.004). Mean VAS score was 2.7±2.3 for the Tamsulosin group and 4.2±2.2 for the control group (P=0.001). There was no significant difference between two groups according to baseline and postoperative 1st month SF-36 scores.

CONCLUSION

Alpha-blocker therapy prior to TRUS-Bx is effective in preventing voiding dysfunction and biopsy-related pain in patients undergoing TRUS-Bx.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.