Self-Administered Nitrous Oxide (SANO) During Transrectal Prostate Biopsy to Reduce Patient Anxiety and Pain

Self-Administered Nitrous Oxide (SANO) During Transrectal Prostate Biopsy to Reduce Patient Anxiety and Pain

Transrectal prostate biopsy is a commonly performed ambulatory procedure for diagnosing prostate cancer. Prostate biopsy are associated with pain or anxiety. Nitrous oxide (or laughing gas) is a well-known inhaled anesthetic which is frequently used in dental offices and for pediatric procedures to alleviate a patient's anxiety and pain. This study seeks to determine whether administration of nitrous oxide at the time of prostate biopsy will improve a patient's experience of care.

Nitrous oxide is a well-tolerated inhaled anesthetic that has been used for decades in pediatric and adult populations and is largely viewed as effective and safe. In addition to analgesic effect, nitrous oxide also produces a dissociative euphoria and amnesia that could potentially improve patients' anxiety and experience of cancer care. When used as a single agent at concentrations ≤50%, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classifies nitrous oxide as Minimal Sedation, producing a state in which a patient responds normally to verbal commands, maintains airway reflexes, and spontaneous ventilation. Over the past several decades nitrous oxide has become less common due to concerns of nitrous oxide environmental exposure to the care team. There are now Federal Drug Administration (FDA)-approved systems that allow patient self-administered nitrous oxide (SANO), and importantly, include a scavenger system to eliminate exhaled environmental nitrous oxide. These systems are rapidly being adopted throughout the United States in Urology practices, but to date, there have been no studies evaluating patient outcomes and possible risks with the adjunct use of SANO. This study is a prospective, randomized, controlled trial to assess patient perceived pain and anxiety related to prostate needle biopsy with or without SANO, and the frequency of complications associated with SANO. A secondary aim will be to demonstrate that the SANO at the time of prostate biopsy does not significantly increase burden on Urologist productivity, nor increase the difficulty of operator ease in performing the prostate needle biopsy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Biological male
• Aged 18 to 85 years
• Scheduled for clinically-indicated prostate needle biopsy
• Suitable for nitrous oxide/oxygen with willingness to be randomized to inhaled SANO or inhaled oxygen during the procedure
• Access to an email and computer

Exclusion Criteria:

• Perioral facial hair impeding good mask seal

• Learning disabilities and/or inability to cognitively complete survey questions

• Taken a pre-procedure benzodiazepine or narcotic.

• Has any of the following medical conditions:

  1. Inner ear, bariatric or eye surgery within the last 2 weeks,
  2. Current emphysematous blebs,
  3. Severe B-12 deficiency.
  4. Bleomycin chemotherapy within the past year.
  5. Class III or higher heart failure.
  6. Undergoing novel therapy for prostate cancer