[Transrectal prostatic biopsy: the role of preventive measures].

Biopsies are indispensable for the diagnosis of the adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Multiple transrectal ultrasound-guided prostatic biopsies are accurate and sure. However, haemorrhagic and infectious complications are not rare. The anamnesis and the intermission of anticoagulant drugs are the best prophylaxis to prevent haemorrhagic complications. The advantage of prophylactic antibiotic therapy has not been absolutely demonstrated. Nevertheless, before biopsies, bacteriuria must be treated. Indeed, pre-biopsy bacteriuria seems to be correlated to septic complications after the procedure.