International Delphi Consensus on Risk Factors Justifying Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Transperineal Prostate Biopsy

BackgroundTransperineal prostate biopsy (TP-Bx) is increasingly favored over the transrectal approach due to its lower rate of infectious complications. Emerging evidence suggests that TP-Bx can often be safely performed without antibiotic prophylaxis in low-risk patients. However, there is no international consensus on the clinical risk factors that justify prophylactic antibiotic use, leading to wide practice variability and concerns regarding antimicrobial stewardship. ObjectiveThis Delphi consensus study aims to identify and define procedural, patient-related, and microbiological risk factors that warrant antibiotic prophylaxis in TP-Bx and to establish evidence-informed best practice recommendations. MethodsA modified three-round Delphi process will be conducted in accordance with ACCORD and CREDES guidelines. A diverse panel of 50-60 international experts in urology, infectious diseases, microbiology, and antimicrobial stewardship will anonymously evaluate predefined and newly suggested risk factors using a 6-point Likert scale. Consensus will be defined as [&ge;]70% of participants rating an item as highly important (score 5-6) and <15% rating it as unimportant (score 1-2). Items failing to reach consensus in Rounds 1 and 2 will be re-evaluated in subsequent rounds. OutcomesThe primary outcome will be a consensus-based list of risk factors justifying antibiotic prophylaxis in TP-Bx. Secondary outcomes include recommendations for diagnostic testing, prophylactic regimens, and thresholds for initiating routine prophylaxis based on institutional infection rates. DisseminationFindings will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals to support global efforts in harmonizing practice and promoting responsible antibiotic use in prostate cancer diagnostics.