An evaluation of antimicrobial prophylaxis for transrectal prostate biopsies: A potential stewardship target.

BACKGROUND

Transrectal prostate biopsy (TRPB) is a common procedure used to obtain a prostate biopsy. Although generally safe, complications may occur including infection. Preprocedural antimicrobial prophylaxis is recommended to minimize risk of subsequent infection.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective chart review via the computerized patient record system from January 1, 2018 to February 28, 2022. The study included patients who underwent a TRPB at the Western New York, Syracuse, or Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Healthcare Systems.

RESULTS

This study included a total of 932 patients who underwent TRPB. Postoperative infection occurred in 3.2% (n = 30) of patients within 14days of the TRPB. Of the 30 patients who developed an infection, 30% (n = 9) resulted in bacteremia. For the 932 patients evaluated, 24 different antibiotic regimens were used, none of which followed guideline recommendations. None of the regimens were found to have an impact on rates of subsequent infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest a need for guideline adherence. There was no benefit to using the guideline-discordant regimens as they were not associated with a decreased risk of infection, and in many cases exposed patients to unnecessarily broad and prolonged antibiotic regimens.