Early or delayed endoscopic papillotomy (EPT) in gallstone pancreatitis.

In 29 patients with gallstone pancreatitis, endoscopic papillotomy was performed during the first period (1976-1979) as elective procedure 1-8 weeks after the clinical symptoms had subsided. From 1979, endoscopic investigations and treatment were routinely done within 48 hours after the onset of clinical symptoms. The ERCPs and EPTs were well-tolerated and were performed without serious complications. The results of these series indicate that EPT can be safely performed in the acute stage of gallstone pancreatitis. Acute EPT gives effective drainage and relief of the acute symptoms in patients with obstructive pancreatitis.