[1.6% peppermint oil solution as intestinal spasmolytic in retrograde endoscopic cholangiopancreatography].

OBJECTIVES: Intestinal peristalsis can impede explorations and interventions using retrograde endoscopic cholangiopancreatography. Systemic spasmolytics are frequently employed to reduce this phenomenon, in spite of the adverse anti-cholinergic effects they are associated with. We proposed a formula using 1.6% peppermint oil solution with local use in order to avoid these adverse side effects. METHOD: We formulated a preparation of 1.6% peppermint oil solution in accordance with the medical literature. The effectiveness of the formula was evaluated in a semi-qualitative manner according to the reduction in peristalsis. RESULTS: We tested two different emulgents, and polysorbate provided the best results. The pilot study carried out with 8 patients demonstrated its effectiveness and safety in reducing intestinal peristalsis. CONCLUSIONS: 1.6% peppermint oil solution constitutes an effective and safe alternative to the use of systemic spasmolytics. More studies are needed with a larger sample size in order to establish its usefulness in normal clinical practice.