BACKGROUND
Transperineal prostate biopsy has superseded TRUS biopsy in the diagnosis of prostate cancer because it follows a systematic approach to avoid missing a cancer, it has a lower sepsis rate and provides better access to all areas of the prostate. Cohesion between the surgeon and assistant when collecting the samples is vital. We describe a simple cost-free technique that reduces the risk of sample labelling errors (Figure 1).
Figure 1 .
Reasons for clinical laboratory error prior to delivery of sample for interpretation
TECHNIQUE
A grid is drawn on the sterile drape that intuitively represents the zones of the prostate from where samples will be taken (Figure 2). Sponges or filter paper are then placed in each square (Figure 3). The surgeon can freely place samples in appropriate squares, allowing real-time visual representation of the location and number of prostate cores taken. At the end of the procedure, the assistant can place the samples correctly in the designated labelled pots (Figure 3).
Figure 2 .
Grid to be drawn on the sterile drape
Figure 3 .
Preprocedure, a grid is drawn as the table is set up (a), as shown graphically in (b). Postprocedure, the samples can be placed easily into the correct pot (c).
DISCUSSION
Traditionally, the surgical team would often concentrate on one prostate zone at a time, placing collected samples in their corresponding pot. Should the surgeon take a sample from a location that was not expected by the assistant, this could lead to a labelling error. This simple technique allows the freedom to sample the prostate in whichever systematic method chosen. The samples are placed at the end of the procedure into the designated pots using the representation on the grid, thus achieving accurate and error-free sample labelling.