L-Menthol Injection as a Novel Technique During Colonoscopy

Adult subjects who are undergoing colonoscopy for primary colorectal cancer screening or surveillance. The study will be carried out as a prospective, double-blinded, fully-masked randomized controlled trial. Prior to the trial entry, the participant's labs and medical record will be reviewed in the electronic records system. If the subject meets inclusion/exclusion criteria, he or she will be consented at bedside prior undergoing their scheduled procedure and receive standard care as otherwise. Experimental and placebo solution ingredients will be serially numbered and randomized in a 1:1 ratio using a variable block strategy and provided by the institutional investigational pharmacy. Research staff will draw up experimental or placebo solution in 4 syringes with a total of 20mL in each solution. The solutions are identical in appearance and endoscopic delivery. To prevent olfactory detection of the peppermint oil solution an essential oil diffuser will be used in all endoscopy rooms using the same oil as in the experimental solution. Endoscopists will be instructed to deliver the contents of one syringe sprayed via the endoscope in the cecum and one in the sigmoid colon. The contents of the other two syringes are to be delivered at the discretion of the endoscopist. After the procedure, endoscopists and study participants will be surveyed to determine if blinding was effective and to assess patient comfort levels, respectively. The primary and secondary end points will be determined on an intention to treat basis.