Complications of Endoscopic Biliary Sphincterotomy

Since its introduction into endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in 1974, 1 , 2 endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy has become a common procedure; approximately 150,000 such procedures are performed annually in the United States. Sphincterotomy is most commonly performed to remove bile-duct stones and is often substituted for surgical exploration of the common bile duct in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 3 – 6 Sphincterotomy is also performed to facilitate the placement of stents through malignant and benign biliary strictures and for other biliary and pancreatic problems, including dysfunction of the sphincter of Oddi. 7 – 13 This controversial syndrome of unknown cause involves functional or structural abnormalities of . . .