Study: Prostate biopsies lead to more hospitalizations

According to a study of Medicare beneficiaries, men who have prostate biopsies are more than two times as likely to need hospitalization within 30 days as compared to men who do not have biopsies. The study revealed that men who have biopsies were hospitalized at a rate of 6.9 percent versus 2.9 without.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Hospitalizations were caused by complications, such as infection, bleeding, and exacerbation of secondary conditions when they are present. The study also found that men who had biopsies were more likely to be hospitalized in the future, although the procedure may not be to blame for that result.

The study reviewed data spanning a 16-year period ending with 2007. Newer data also showed an increase in infections, possibly because of the emergence of new strains of drug-resistant organisms. Medicare beneficiaries have more than one million prostate biopsies each year, making the practice common. 

Senior author of the study, Edward Schaeffer, MD, PhD, of Johns Hopkins, said in a statement, "Prostate biopsy is an essential procedure for detecting prostate cancers. Coupled with appropriate screening, prostate biopsies save lives..."However, it is important for men to be aware of the possible risks of prostate biopsies, which are often described as simple outpatient procedures."

The results of the study tell doctors that they need to do a careful evaluation prior to a prostate biopsy procedure. If a procedure is needed, then additional precautions to prevent infection and other complications are necessary. 

As doctors fight infections that result from the procedures, they give antibiotics, which may also be contributing to the emergence of resistant strains of bacteria. 

Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to determine why men with biopsies were also more likely to be hospitalized in subsequent years. 

The study appeared in the September 23 publication of the Journal of Urology.

---

'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'