The management of rectal bleeding following transrectal prostate biopsy: A review of the current literature

Abstract

Introduction: Since the advent of prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based testing, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy has become a standard part of the diagnostic pathway for prostate cancer (PCa). Rectal bleeding is one of the common side effects of this transrectal route. While rectal bleeding is usually mild and self-limiting, it can be life-threatening. In this article, we examine rectal bleeding post-TRUS-guided prostate biopsy and explore the literature to evaluate techniques and strategies aimed at preventing and managing this common and important complication. Methods: A PubMed literature search was carried out using the keywords “transrectal-prostate-biopsy-bleed.” A..