Abstract
The effects of two different forms of anticholinergic medication on endoscopic quality
and patient discomfort were studied in 235 consecutively observed out-patients. Patients
were randomized to receive either scopolamine i. v. and placebo transdermally, saline
i. v. and saline transdermally, or placebo i. v. and scopolamine transdermally. No
differences could be observed between the groups with respect to gastric motor function
or endoscopic quality (as judged by the endoscopist), or discomfort during endoscopy
(as judged by the patient). Transdermally applied scopolamin resulted in a significant
increase (2p = 0.002) in post-endoscopy discomfort due to dryness of the mouth. The
findings speak against the use of i. v. scopolamine (20 mg) or transdermally applied
scopolamine (0.5 mg) in endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
