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nitrous oxide

In mid-2020, Urology Austin launched a pilot program to make nitrous oxide available to patients undergoing in-office procedures at our Jollyville location. With the success of this program, we have expanded availability to eight additional locations: Austin Central, Cedar Park, Kyle, Lakeway, Radam Lane (South Austin), Round Rock #1, Round Rock #2 and Westlake.

What is Nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a colorless gas used as a weak anesthesia for a variety of dental and medical procedures. Commonly referred to as laughing gas, nitrous was first discovered in the late 1700s and was in use by dentists by the mid-1800s. It is considered a weak anesthesia because patients do not lose their ability to respond or communicate while gas is administered. Therefore, it is not used for major surgeries where general anesthesia is required.

Benefits of Nitrous oxide

Urology Austin introduced the use of nitrous on a clinical level to benefit patients undergoing a variety of in-office procedures. Patient benefits include the following:

  • Nitrous oxide helps reduce both pain and anxiety for patients, which significantly improves their experience. As previously mentioned, patients are in control of their senses while using nitrous. This allows the patient to communicate with their provider, answer questions, and assure the doctor that they’re comfortable during the procedure.
  • When administering N2O, a mask is placed over the patient’s nose and mouth. This mask is designed to be single-use and disposable to ensure patient safety.
  • Nitrous oxide takes affect and wears off very quickly. In fact, patients should be able to safely leave the office shortly after their procedure. Typically, patients are not required to have a driver after N2O has been administered.
  • As previously noted, nitrous has been safely used during procedures since the mid-19th century.

Nitrous uses

Nitrous oxide is available to our patients undergoing any in-office procedure. These may include, but are not limited to: a vasectomy, prostate biopsy, cystoscopy, and BPH procedures such as UroLift or Rezum. If you’re scheduled for a procedure in any of the offices listed above, please talk to your provider for their recommendation about using nitrous.