Use of Peppermint Oil During Screening Colonoscopy to Improve Visibility

Use of Peppermint Oil During Screening Colonoscopy to Improve Visibility

The investigators hypothesize that spraying peppermint oil containing L-menthol onto the colonic mucosa during colonoscopy will relax smooth muscle allowing better colonic visualization.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Screening colonoscopy
• Age 50 years and older
• Able to give consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• No consent obtained or adult lacking capacity to consent
• Do not reach cecum on colonoscopy
• Renal impairment (defined as CrCl <30 ml/min)
• Allergy to study peppermint oil solution
• History of colon resection
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Known colorectal neoplasia
• Non-correctable coagulopathy
• Pregnancy or lactating
• Prisoners