Variability of transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy prophylactic measures

Introduction: To assess the variability of pre-prostate biopsy prophylaxis among American urologists. Materials and methods: A survey was electronically mailed to 3355 urologists around the country. Urologists were surveyed on their antibiotic prophylaxis choice, the route and duration of antimicrobial prophylaxis. Additionally they were questioned about their knowledge of local antimicrobial resistance and if rectal enemas were routinely used. Results: There were 679 (21%) responses to the survey. The survey revealed differences in pre-prostate biopsy prophylaxis among urologists. Ten different classes of antibiotics were used orally, 4 classes intramuscular, 5 classes intravenous, and there was also 14 different duration regimens. Conclusion: Despite the initiation of the 2008 American Urological Association Guidelines on this topic, there still is a lack of uniformity in prostate biopsy prophylaxis.