Effect of transrectal ultrasonography of the prostate on serum prostate-specific antigen levels and free/total prostate-specific antigen ratio

To study the effect of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) on serum total pr ostate-specific antigen (PSA), free PSA and free/total (f/t) PSA ratio and to determine the reliability of serum total and free PSA levels and f/t PSA ratio after such interventions, serum free and total PSA levels and f/t PS A ratios were determined before, immediately after and 24 h after TRUS in 4 4 patients who were referred to our department by their general practitione r for prostate screening. The duration of TRUS procedure and prostate volum e and age were evaluated to determine whether the serum PSA levels followin g TRUS had changed. The total PSA and free PSA levels and f/t PSA ratio did not show any significant rise immediately after DRE and TRUS, The duration of the TRUS procedure did not appear to affect the PSA values. Age and pro state volume were not correlated with the PSA levels. Our findings revealed no significant changes in f/t PSA ratio and serum free and total PSA level , suggesting that serum free and total PSA levels and f/t PSA ratio may be more reliable parameters in the early period after TRUS, Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG,Basel.