OBJECTIVES: To evaluate endoscopic duodenal sphincterotomy and improve its success rate. METHODS: Needle-shaped knife was used for endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) in 476 patients with biliary or pancreatic diseases from March 1995 to October 2000. RESULTS: Direct incision was made in 243 patients, papillary fenestration in 89, and opposite incision in 144. The papilla located beside and in the diverticulum in 56 and 12 patients, respectively. EST emergency was made in 147 patients. ERCP after EST because of the difficulty in intubation was made successfully in 62 patients. Mild complications occurred in 14 patients (2.94%), all of whom were cured after symptomatic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: EST with needle-shaped knife has such advantages as safety in operation and convenience in incision. It is suitable for the papilla with different shape, with a higher success rate.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate endoscopic duodenal sphincterotomy and improve its success rate. METHODS: Needle-shaped knife was used for endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) in 476 patients with biliary or pancreatic diseases from March 1995 to October 2000. RESULTS: Direct incision was made in 243 patients, papillary fenestration in 89, and opposite incision in 144. The papilla located beside and in the diverticulum in 56 and 12 patients, respectively. EST emergency was made in 147 patients. ERCP after EST because of the difficulty in intubation was made successfully in 62 patients. Mild complications occurred in 14 patients (2.94%), all of whom were cured after symptomatic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: EST with needle-shaped knife has such advantages as safety in operation and convenience in incision. It is suitable for the papilla with different shape, with a higher success rate.