The relaxant action of hymecromone and lignocaine on induced spasm of the bile duct sphincter.

The retained stone in the common bile duct remains a problem for the surgeon. Although more effective methods are available, mechanical flushing of the bile duct is, when successful, a simple solution. Pharmacological dilatation of the sphincter of Oddi is a logical adjunct to flushing. Pressure changes in the bile duct during flushing were studied in 20 postoperative patients with T-tube drains and the effectiveness of two drugs in reducing Omnopon induced spasm of the sphincter was compared. Hymecromone intravenously and lignocaine via the T-tube were equally effective, reducing sphincter activity in the majority of patients, but there was considerable individual variation.