Supplementary Material for: Comparing the effect of pre-biopsy rectal cleaning together with biopsy needle disinfection to each technique alone on hospitalization rates because of post-biopsy infections.

Introduction: To compare the effects of three techniques: biopsy needle disinfection with 10% formalin solution, povidone-iodine rectal cleaning, and the use of both methods to decrease hospitalization due to infectious complications after transrectal prostate biopsy. Methods: A total of 827 patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 patient data were analyzed retrospectively, while groups 2 and 3 patients were followed up prospectively. Group 1 included 361 patients who underwent biopsy needle disinfection with a 10% formalin solution. Group 2 included 235 patients who underwent biopsy needle disinfection and povidone-iodine rectal cleaning. Group 3 included 231 patients who underwent povidone-iodine rectal cleaning only. The outcome scale was the number of patients hospitalized for biopsy-related infection 30 days after the date of transrectal prostate biopsy. Results: The hospitalization rates due to biopsy-related infectious complications were 3.0%, 0%, and 1.7% in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The only statistically significant difference was found between Groups 1 and 2. Conclusion: Biopsy needle disinfection and rectal cleaning with povidone-iodine seem to have greater potential to reduce infectious complications when applied together. Further prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.