Background : A risk factor during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is peristalsis of the duodenum. Common antispasmodic drugs such as scopolamine butylbromide and glucagon are associated with a risk of complications in patients with heart, prostate, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid disease. l-menthol has an antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscles of the stomach, bowel, and colon.
Methods : We prospectively evaluated ERCP without gastrectomy at Teikyo University Mizonokuchi Hospital, between July 2014 and March 2016.
Results : The total number of eligible patients was 359. The complete procedure rate with l-menthol alone was 90.5%. The median total procedure time was 23 seconds. In almost 80% of cases, appropriate peristalsis of duodenum for ERCP l-menthol alone was observed.
Conclusion : We propose that l-menthol can be useful as an antispasmodic drug during ERCP.
