The efficacy of intravenous hyoscine-N-butylbromide during colonoscopy : a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Background and study aims : Colonic spasm makes colonoscope advancement difficult. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hyoscine- N-butylbromide as an antispasmodic during colonoscopy. Patients and methods : Patients referred for elective colonoscopy were randomized into the study and placebo groups. Before the procedure, the study and placebo groups received 20 mg intra- venous hyoscine-N-butylbromide and intravenous saline solution of the same amount, respectively. Demographic and procedure- related data were recorded and compared between the groups. Results : Of 198 patients referred for elective colonoscopy, 121 were included (study group = 60, placebo group = 61). No differ- ences were observed between the study and placebo groups in terms of demographic data, pre-procedure characteristics, and colonoscopic characteristics including the cecal intubation time, total procedure time, bowel preparation, sedation doses, hemo- dynamic findings, endoscopist satisfaction, patient comfort, and polyp detection rate. The only difference was an increase in the heart rate by 32% in the study group after hyoscine-N-butyl- bromide administration (p < 0.001).