Peri-prostatic nerve block using Clarius EC7 HD ₃ handheld ultrasound guidance

Can J Urol. 2023 Dec;30(6):11741-11746.ABSTRACTTransrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is a common modality used during urological procedures that require real-time visualization of the prostate, such as prostate biopsy and peri-prostatic nerve blocks (PNB) for surgical procedures. Current practice for TRUS-guided PNB requires use of costly, fixed, and non-portable ultrasound machinery that can often limit workflow. The Clarius endocavity EC7 probe, a digital, handheld and pocket-sized endocavity ultrasound (US) device, is an alternative, portable technology which was recently shown to accurately visualize and measure prostate dimensions and volume. Moreover, in recent years, there has been a renaissance of office-based treatments for minimally invasive surgical therapies (MIST) for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). More specifically, the Rezūm procedure has been demonstrated to offer men a short, outpatient therapy with excellent 5-year outcomes in durability and preservation of antegrade ejaculation. While other anesthetic techniques have been described for Rezūm, including inhaled methoxyflurane (Penthrox), nitrous oxide, IV sedation and general anesthesia (which often mandate the presence of an anesthesiology team), US-guided local blocks offer the urologist an independent method for pain management. While most urologists may not have direct access to expensive, cart-based ultrasound systems, point of care ultrasound (POCUS) technology, such as Clarius (Vancouve...
Source: Canadian Journal of Urology - Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Source Type: research