ENDOSCOPIC SPHINCTEROTOMY IN HIGH‐RISK PATIENTS WITH BILIARY TRACT DISEASE1

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Abstract
Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed in 53 patients with biliary tract disease who were considered to be at high risk from conventional surgical procedures. Forty‐five patients had choledocholithiasis, while eight had miscellaneous disorders including carcinoma, stenosis of the papilla, and postoperative biliary fistulae. Forty‐three of 45 patients with choledocholithiasis have been free of symptoms since the procedure, and most have had repeat retrograde cholangiography confirming the absence of bile duct stones. Endoscopic sphincterotomy is a safe and effective procedure in selected high‐risk patients, particularly those with choledocholithiasis after cholecystectomy.