Endoscopic Sphincterotomy Essay

Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) was the first and the most frequently used technique for common bile duct (CBD) stones extraction. However, it still runs the risk of various adverse events, such as bleeding, perforation, pancreatitis and cholangitis as early complications were noticed. (1) The risk of hemorrhage and perforation may be increased with extended ES that is required for removal of large stones. Endoscopic mechanical lithotripsy may be required as an auxiliary procedure to facilitate stone clearance. (2) Recurrent CBD stones secondary to the lack of ampullary sphincter function with subsequent ascending cholangitis is one of the most important late