Peritonitis following transrectal biopsy of the prostate

OBJECTIVE: An uncommon complication of prostatic transrectal biopsy is described. METHODS/RESULTS: A case of peritonitis arising from a recto-peritoneal fistula after transrectal biopsy of the prostate is reported. The patient presented symptoms of peritonitis 15 days after undergoing ambulatory transrectal prostatic biopsy elsewhere. The imaging studies showed intraprostatic hypodense collection and peritonitis due to a recto-peritoneal fistula. The diagnosis was confirmed by laparotomy. The patient died 7 days postoperatively due to acute renal failure. CONCLUSION: Transrectal biopsy of the prostate is a simple procedure, but it is not free from serious complications.