The Effect of Peppermint Oil on Peristalsis during Gastroscopy / 대한소화기내시경학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastrointestinal peristalsis may hinder inspection of the gastrointestinal track or its treatment during endoscopy. Antispasmodic agents such as hyoscine-N-butylbromide are commonly administered before endoscopy for alleviating peristalsis, although it causes unwanted complications. Peppermint oil (PMO) has a spasmolytic effect on viscera and it has been used as an adjunctive remedy for some disorders. We evaluated the antispasmodic effect of PMO solution during gastroscopy, and we determined if there are any adverse effects. METHODS: 1.6% PMO solution was sprayed on the antrum of the examinees (n=40) during gastroscopy. Observation was performed 5 cm ahead of the pyloric ring to count the peristaltic waves for 3 minutes before and after spraying PMO. The intensity of peristalsis was graded from 0 (none) to 4 (severe), and the pulse rate of all the examinees was recorded every minute. RESULTS: The number of peristaltic contractions decreased after PMO spraying from 7.02+/-2.25 to 3.17+/-2.57 times/3 minutes (p<0.01). The peristaltic intensity also decreased from 3.15+/-1.18 to 1.34+/- \0.95 (p<0.01) with a difference of 1.80+/-1.29. On observing the examinees' pulse rates, using PMO did not induce tachycardia. No adverse effect during and after the investigation with PMO solution was reported. CONCLUSIONS: PMO showed a significant antispasmodic effect, and it reduced the number of peristaltic contractions and the intensity of gastric peristalsis. It also did not have any significant side effects. PMO solution may be used as an effective antispasmodic agent during gastroscopy.