Effects of droperidol on the pancreatic and biliary sphincters

Background. Performance of sphincter of Oddi manometry at ERCP is technically demanding and requires that the patient be well sedated. Droperidol is frequently administered when adequate sedation cannot be achieved with a benzodiazepine and meperidine. This study examined the effects of droperidol on the biliary and pancreatic sphincters. Methods: A total of 31 patients were prospectively evaluated by sphincter of Oddi manometry in the conventional retrograde fashion. Manometry was initially performed with intravenous administration of diazepam alone, diazepam plus meperidine or midazolam plus meperidine. Manometry was then repeated 5 minutes after droperidol was administered. Results: The basal pressure of the biliary sphincter and of the pancreatic sphincter were not significantly altered by droperidol. Concordance (normal vs. abnormal) between the basal sphincter pressure before and after droperidol was seen in 30 patients (97%). Droperidol also did not lead to a difference in phasic wave amplitude, duration, or frequency. Thirteen manometry tracings (42%) were judged as being qualitatively better after droperidol, whereas two (6.5%; p < 0.001) were qualitatively better before droperidol administration. Conclusions: Droperidol does not significantly affect sphincter of Oddi manometric parameters. It appears that it can be added to the armamentarium of agents needed for performance of sphincter of Oddi manometry. However, further study is needed to determine whether recent safety concerns with droperidol use are valid.