MANAGEMENT OF SECRETIONS IN ESOPHAGEAL CANCER-PATIENTS WITH GLYCOPYRROLATE

Background: There has been little emphasis in the past upon management of excessive secretions in patients with esophageal cancer. We used t he drug glycopyrrolate for controlling secretions in patients with eso phageal cancer. Patients and methods. Between January 1991 and Septemb er 1995, 45 patients with esophagus cancer were referred for evaluatio n. Seven of these patients were treated with glycopyrrolate for increa sed secretions. Secretions were measured in suction canisters which we re used by patients. Results. All the patients showed a decrease in se cretions within 24-48 hours of administration. The incidence of side e ffects was minimal. Conclusions. Glycopyrrolate is quite effective in palliating esophageal cancer patients with excessive secretions.