Prostate biopsy sepsis prevention: external validation of an alcohol needle washing protocol

Purpose Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx) is associated with a 1–8% risk of post-biopsy sepsis (PBS). A recent study described an isopropyl alcohol needle washing protocol that significantly decreased PBS rates. The current study examined the efficacy of this technique in our clinic population. Materials and methods Data were reviewed for 1250 consecutive patients undergoing TRUS-Bx at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center from January 2017 to January 2023. Needle washing was adopted in February 2021. Complications occurring within 30 days after TRUS-Bx were recorded. Results There were 912 patients in group 1 (without needle washing) and 338 in group 2 (with needle washing). Groups had equivalent demographic features, and men of African descent comprised 70% of patients. Standard 12 core biopsies were done in 83% and 82% in groups 1 and 2, respectively ( p = 0.788). Total complication rates were 4% and 2% in groups 1 and 2, respectively ( p = 0.077). There were 13 sepsis events in group 1 (1.4%) and none in group 2 ( p = 0.027). Clavien–Dindo Grade I–III complications occurred in 25 (2.7%) and 7 (2.1%) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively ( p = 0.505). Standard antibiotic prophylaxis (PO fluoroquinolone and IM gentamicin) was given in 80% and 86% of patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively ( p = 0.030). Subset analysis limited to patients who received standard prophylaxis showed a significant difference in sepsis rates (1.5% vs 0%; p = 0.036). Conclusions Adoption of isopropyl alcohol needle washing was associated with a significant decrease in PBS events.