Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Every year, there are roughly 27,000 deaths due to prostate cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Early detection of prostate cancer can improve survival of patients. Prostate biopsy is a procedure used to confirm the diagnosis of prostate cancer. During prostate biopsy, small samples of the prostate gland are removed and tested. Prostate biopsy has several complications that patients should be aware of.
Urinary Tract Infections
Prostate biopsy can lead to infections of the urinary tract. Urinary tract infection is the most serious complication associated with prostate biopsy. The rate of urinary tract infection is rather low, roughly one to two cases in every 1000 prostate biopsies, according to a study published in "Urology."
Hematuria
Blood in the urine, or hematuria, is the most common complication of prostate biopsy. According to the Department of Urology and University of California, San Francisco, hematuria occurs in 70 percent undergoing prostate biopsy. About 47 percent of patients will have persistent hematuria for up to seven days following the biopsy.
Bleeding of the Rectum or Blood in Semen
According to the Department of Urology and University of California, San Francisco, roughly 1 in 10 patients will experience bleeding of the rectum, known as hematochezia. Similarly, roughly 1 in 11 patients will experience blood in the semen, known as hematospermia.
Other Complications
According to "Clinical Oncology," roughly one in 30 men developed fever and one in 250 men may have urinary retention. Overall, one in 200 men will be hospitalized following prostate biopsy, mostly due to post-biopsy infections.
