PROMPT: PROcedural sedation vs Methoxyflurane a Prospective cohorT Study.

The PROMPT Study is comparing two approaches to pain relief and sedation for patients undergoing procedures in the interventional radiology department — procedures like biopsies, drain insertions, or catheter placements that can cause discomfort. One approach uses traditional intravenous medications (midazolam and fentanyl) given by the medical team. The other approach uses methoxyflurane (a pain-relieving inhaler, brand name Penthrox), which the patient controls themselves by inhaling as needed. The key question is whether patient-controlled inhaled pain relief is as effective and safe as team-administered intravenous sedation, and whether it leads to a better experience for patients. Self-controlled pain relief may reduce the risk of over- or under-dosing and may give patients more comfort and control during procedures. You may be eligible if you are over 18, are awake and able to consent, need more than just local anaesthetic for a procedure at Liverpool Hospital's Interventional Radiology department, and your procedure is expected to take less than two hours. People with allergies to these medications, kidney or liver problems, pregnancy, or who require general anaesthesia are not eligible. This study could help make minimally invasive procedures more comfortable and patient-centred.