Needle biopsying the prostate is usually a relatively safe procedure. However, occasionally complications can occur, some of which may be serious.
Types of complications:
(1) bleeding
(1a) rectal bleeding
(1b) gross hematuria
(1c) hematospermia
(2) pain
(2a) painful ejaculation
(2b) pain on urination (with or without urethritis)
(2c) rectal or pelvic pain
(3) infection
(3a) prostatitis or prostatic abscess
(3b) urethritis
(3c) urinary tract infection
(3d) bacteremia
(3e) fever > 38.5°C
(4) acute urinary retention
(5) impotence
Criteria for major complication - one or more of the following:
(1) hospitalization or intravenous antibiotics for infection
(2) acute urinary retention
(3) bacteremia
Additional criteria that could be indicative of a significant complication:
(1) need for narcotics to control pain
(2) blood transfusion for hemorrhage
(3) surgery
