Antibiotic prophylaxis in ultrasound guided transrectal prostate biopsy

Purpose: A retrospective review of a large group of transrectal ultrasound guided biopsies was performed to determine the symptomatic urinary tract infection rate associated with a consistent and defined antibiotic prophylaxis regimen. Materials and Methods: A total of 4,439 biopsies was performed using an 18 gauge needle with ultrasound guidance. Patients were treated with 500 mg. ciprofloxacin twice daily for 8 doses beginning the day before biopsy. Results: Of 5 symptomatic urinary tract infections noted 3 were complicated. Conclusions: These data demonstrate the low infection rate associated with this prophylaxis regimen.