OBJECTIVETo report 2 cases of prostatic abscess and review the current characteristics of prostatic abscess in China.

METHODSTwo cases of prostatic abscess were reported, and a meta-analysis was made of the literature from the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure database and Wanfang Data in recent 10 years.

RESULTSBoth the cases had a high glucose level, and one of them had received instrumental examination of the lower urinary tract prior to the problem, both with difficult defecation, severe perineal pain and high fever, with normal peripheral white blood cell count and negative urine routine. One case of abscess was confirmed by MRI, ruptured into urethra and cured by antibiotics. The other case was confirmed by transrectal ultrasound and CT and cured by transrectal ultrasound guided needle aspiration. Meta-analysis showed that the predisposed factors were diabetes mellitus, the indwelling catheter and instrumentation of the lower urinary tract. Major pathogens were staphylococci aureus and Escherichia coli. For most patients, the diagnosis was mainly established by ultrasonography and the treatment included needle aspiration or surgery.

CONCLUSIONThe clinical symptoms of prostatic abscess are not typically presented and the differential diagnosis may be difficult. Imaging investigation is helpful, and transrectal ultrasonography can be used for both diagnosis and treatment.