In 1989, Hodge et al. published two papers in the Journal of Urology (Hodge et al., 1989a and 1989b). The first paper described directed transrectal prostate biopsies of palpable abnormalities, 90% of which had corresponding hypoechoic lesions on ultrasound (Hodge 1989a). Additional biopsies were also taken of isoechoic areas of the peripheral and central zones. These biopsies were not systematic and they were found to be positive in 66% of cases. The second article was a landmark paper which marked the start of the modern era of prostate needle biopsy (Hodge et al., 1989b). Hodge et al. compared the use of transrectal prostate biopsies taken of palpable or.
