OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of periprostatic nerve block (PPNB) alone versus periprostatic nerve block plus oral Tramadol+Paracetamol Tablet for pain control during and after transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) biopsy of the prostate gland. METHODS: This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. The authors randomized 40 male patients each to either PPNB or PPNB plus oral tramadol and paracetamol (37.5mg/325mg) an hour prior to prostate biopsy. A ten-point visual analog scale was used to measure pain intensity and was recorded upon insertion of the ultrasound probe, during the biopsy, and one hour after the procedure. RESULTS: The two groups were similar in terms of baseline characteristics. Reductions in pain scores were statistically significantly different (p<.001) for each group when comparing pain from at point of insertion of the probe versus during biopsy and versus one-hour post-operatively. However, when comparing the two groups, the pain scores were not statistically significantly different upon insertion of the probe (p=.68), during the biopsy (p=.26) and one-hour post-operatively (p=.54). CONCLUSION Tramadol and paracetamol combination in addition to periprostatic nerve block produces pain relief similar to standard periprostatic nerve block alone.
Male ; Prostate ; Nerve Block ; Biopsy ; Ultrasonography