Results of the 5 Region Prostate Biopsy Method: The Repeat Biopsy Population

The decision to repeat prostate biopsy in a patient in whom the first biopsy did not detect prostate cancer poses a challenge to urologists. Many published series show a low yield on repeat biopsy using standard techniques. We reviewed our data on the 5 region prostate biopsy method to evaluate its yield in the repeat biopsy population.A total of 125 repeat transrectal ultrasound guided prostate needle biopsy sessions were done in 110 patients for standard indications using the 5 region method. Pathological findings were reviewed and the yield of the additional regions was analyzed.Patients were categorized with respect to the initial biopsy technique. In those who underwent 1 and more than 1 previous sextant biopsy the relative increase in yield of the 5 region technique over the standard sextant technique was 31% and 33%, respectively. In the cohort that underwent previous 5 region biopsy the relative increase in yield of the 5 region technique over the standard sextant technique was 38%.In the setting of repeat biopsy the 5 region method results in an increased yield over the sextant method. It is true in patients who have previously undergone biopsies with the sextant or 5 region technique.