Prostatic ultrasonography in routine radiological practice: a survey among122 radiologists.

Objective : To evaluate the indications and practical modalities of prostat ic ultrasonography in routine radiological practice. Methods:An anonymous questionnaire composed of Is multiple choice questions was sent to 122 radiologists. Results : Among the 76 responses, 90% were men, 90% were in private practic e and 94% regularly performed prostatic ultrasonography without clinical in formation (81%). The prostatic examination was performed by transrectal ult rasonography (60%) combined with vesical and renal ultrasonography. The ind ications were : urinary functional disorders (56%) and abnormal PSA (40%). Prostatic ultrasonography was considered to be useful to calculate prostati c volumes by 59% radiologists and in the staging of prostatic cancer (81%). 80% of radiologists did riot start by performing digital rectal examinatio n. 59% of patients were informed. Conclusion : The observed indications did not correspond to urological cons ensus recommendations, but ultrasonography was performed according to class ical recommendations. This study could justify a more precise definition of the role of ultra sonography in prostatic disease.