Extended transduodenal sphincteroplasty for bile duct stones associated with a periampullary diverticulum.

Extended transduodenal sphincteroplasty has been suggested as an alternative to choledochoduodenostomy for the surgical management of bile duct stones associated with a periampullary diverticulum but its value has not previously been investigated. Over a 3 year period, nine patients underwent extended transduodenal sphincteroplasty for common bile duct calculi associated with a periampullary diverticulum with no operative or post-operative mortality and minimal morbidity. Follow-up ranging from 20 to 60 months has shown remission of pain in all but one patient, who has had a normal endoscopic cholangiogram and no further episodes of jaundice or cholangitis. Extended transduodenal sphincteroplasty is a safe and effective alternative to choledochoduodenostomy for the surgical management of choledocholithiasis associated with a periampullary diverticulum.