The 'green whistle': a novel method of analgesia for transrectal prostate biopsy

Abstract

Patients and methods: • Patients undergoing TRUS-guided biopsies were each given a Penthrox inhaler to self-administer during the procedure and instructed in its use. • Immediately after the procedure, patients were asked to rate their pain using a verbal rating scale from 0 to 10.

Results: • In all, 42 consecutive men underwent a TRUS-guided biopsy. • The median pain score was 3. • All 42 patients stated they would be happy to undergo the same procedure again. The only adverse effects reported by patients were brief light-headedness and a sickly sweet taste.

Conclusion: • This study of our initial experience using Penthrox suggests that it may have a role in analgesia for TRUS-guided biopsy. • It may provide safe, adequate analgesia that is easy for urologists to use and avoids excessive use of resources. • Planning for a randomised control trial comparing Penthrox to the current 'gold standard' of prostatic infiltration of local anaesthetic is presently underway.