The value of transrectal ultrasound guided needle aspiration in treatment of prostatic abscess

Introduction: Prostatic abscess (PA) is a very uncommon disorder. The value of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided aspiration in the treatment of PA has not been clearly defined. We present our experience with six such patients. Materials and methods: Between July 1997 and December 2002, six patients with PA were diagnosed by TRUS and treated by TRUS guided needle aspiration in our department. PA was defined as hypoechoic, inhomogenous, thick walled fluid collection. TRUS guided needle aspiration of the abscess was performed transrectally in all patients with a 20-cm long 18 gauge Chiba needle. Succesfull treatment criteria were defined as clinical improvement in symptoms and decrease of more than half of the estimated abscess volume on follow up TRUS control. Patients with continuing clinical symptoms were defined as treatment failures. Results: The most common TRUS finding was detection of a hypoechoic area with inhomogeneous structures, which was determined in all patients (100%). In some patients irregular contour and heterogeneous areas were additionally described. TRUS guided needle aspiration treatment of PA was successful in five of six patients (83.3%). In one patient treatment failed and the abscess recurred 3 weeks after the procedure. As this patient had additionally a bladder outflow obstruction, transurethral resection of the prostate was performed instead of a repeat procedure. There were no complications associated with the procedure. Conclusions: In conclusion, TRUS has an important value in diagnosis and treatment of PA. TRUS guided aspiration is an effective and minimally invasive treatment modality for PA which causes no serious complications. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.