Prostate biopsy is a common procedure. According to the American Cancer Society, every year there are roughly 900,000 of prostate biopsies performed in the United States. Prostate biopsy involves taking samples from the prostate gland of the patient for subsequent testing of cancerous cells. Although prostate biopsy is a safe procedure, it comes with certain risks and complications.
Blood in the Urine
Blood in the urine, also known as hematuria, is the most common complication of prostate biopsy. Following prostate biopsy, 2 out of 3 patients will experience hematuria, according to the Department of Urology at University of California, San Francisco. Symptoms of hematuria may persist for three to seven days in about half of the patients undergoing prostate biopsy.
Rectal Bleeding
According to Department of Urology at University of California, San Francisco, roughly 9 percent of patients will experience rectal bleeding following prostate biopsy. Rectal bleeding may persist for few days.
In a study published in "British Journal of Urology International," 17 to 27 percent of patients who have annual prostate biopsy over a period of five years will experience rectal bleeding.
Infection
According to "Clincal Oncology," roughly 0.5 percent of men who had prostate biopsy need to be hospitalized following prostate biopsy. This is mostly due to infection of the urinary tract.
Other Complications
Other common and minor complications of prostate biopsy include pelvic discomfort, pain during urination (dysuria) or blood in the semen (hematospermia). According to Department of Urology at University of California, San Francisco, dysuria occurs in one in 11 cases, pelvic discomfort occurs in one in 7 cases and hematospermia occurs in one in 11 cases.
