Advantages of caudal block over intrarectal local anesthesia plus periprostatic nerve block for transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy

OBJECTIVE To compare caudal block with intrarectal local anesthesia plus periprostatic nerve block for transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy. METHODS One hundred and ninety patients scheduled for transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy were randomized equally into Group-A who received caudal block (20 ml 1.2% lidocaine) and Group-B who received intrarectal local anesthesia (0.3% oxybuprocaine cream) plus periprostatic nerve block (10 ml 1% lidocaine plus 0.5% ropivacaine) before biopsy. During and after the procedure, the patients rated the level of pain/discomfort at various time points. Complications during the whole study period and the patient overall satisfaction were also evaluated. RESULTS More pain and discomfort was detected during periprostatic nerve block than during caudal block. Pain and discomfort was significantly lower during prostate biopsy and during the manipulation of the probe in the rectum in Group-A than in Group-B. No significant differences were detected in the pain intensity after biopsy and side effects between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Caudal block provides better anesthesia than periprostatic nerve block plus intrarectal local anesthesia for TRUS guided prostate biopsy without an increase of side effects.