We determined endoscopically the motility of the papillary region in humans, using a pressure sensor devised in our department. The subjects were 184 patients with various diseases. Prifinium bromide and four other antispasmodics were given to 60 of the 184 patients, and their effects were investigated. In 41 (85%) of the 48 patients with chronic gastritis, regular wave patterns were noted. In 35 (85%) of the 41 patients with diseases of the biliary tract and papillary region, in nine (82%) of the 11 patients with pancreatic diseases, and in six (67%) of the nine patients with liver diseases, irregular wave patterns were observed. It was postulated that a high incidence of papillary dysfunction accompanies biliary and pancreatic diseases. Additionally, it was concluded that prifinium bromide has as potent an effect on motility of the papillary region as does a massive dose (40 mg) of hyoscine N-butylbromide.