A clinical research study that is testing whether Penthrox (methoxyflurane) plus local anaesthetic reduces pain and discomfort for men having their first transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy compared to local anaesthetic alone

The purpose of this study is to see if the discomfort of a prostate biopsy can be reduced by a drug called methoxyflurane (Penthrox) given with a simple inhaler, popularly known as the ‘green whistle’, and widely used by ambulance officers and first aid services. Methoxyflurane is already approved in Australia for the relief of pain in patients having surgical procedures. Who is it for? You may be eligible to participate in this study if you are a male, aged 18 or over, who has been scheduled for your first transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. Study Details All participants have injections of a local anaesthetic (lignocaine) around their prostate before the biopsy. This is the standard way of reducing the discomfort of a prostate biopsy. Before having the local anaesthetic, all participants are given the study treatment which is a ‘green whistle’ inhaler after being shown how to use it. After their biopsy, participants fill out short, simple forms to let us know how they felt. In this study, one half of the participants are given inhalers loaded with methoxyflurane (the active inhaler group). The other half are given inhalers that look and smell the same, but are loaded with saline solution alone (the placebo inhaler group). Comparing the results in these two groups at the end of the study will show how good methoxyflurane is at reducing the discomfort of a prostate biopsy. It is hoped that this study will improve understanding of drugs which may be used to reduce discomfort of prostate biopsies for future patients.