Using ice during prostate biopsy to reduce pain and anxiety

Researchers studied whether a simple, non-invasive ice application could help reduce pain and anxiety during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsies. The trial examined whether this cold therapy approach also lowered stress hormones, prevented complications like bleeding and infection, and reduced the need for hospital readmission after the procedure.

Prostate biopsies are common but often cause significant pain, anxiety, and complications including bleeding, infection, and the need to return to the hospital. This trial was designed to test whether a simple, affordable, and non-invasive cold therapy method could address these problems without additional medication.