The doctor said he wanted to try other things before attempting an ________ procedure

While procedures can indeed be painful, the term "painful" is subjective and not necessarily avoided by doctors as a primary factor when considering treatment options. The context implies a focus on the nature of the procedure rather than the sensation it might cause. Pain management techniques are routinely employed regardless of procedural type, making this choice less relevant in the given context.

Experimental procedures involve unproven or novel techniques that are still under research. While doctors may hesitate to use experimental procedures until other options are exhausted, the word "experimental" suggests uncertainty and innovation rather than an inherent procedural type, which does not align with the context of preferring less invasive options initially.

Although cost can be a consideration in medical decision-making, the sentence emphasizes the procedure's nature, not its financial aspect. "Expensive" does not inherently describe the invasiveness or type of medical procedure, thus making it an unlikely focus in the context provided.