[Endoscopic papillotomy (EPT) (author's transl)].

From August 1974 to December 1977 a total of 155 endoscopic papillotomies were performed. Endoscopic papillotomy (EPT) has proven to be an acceptable alternative to surgical reintervention at the biliary tree especially in aged and cholecystectomized patients where obstructive jaundice is caused by a concrement. The rate of all complications (9%) is comparatively low. In our own series 3 patients died after endoscopic papillotomy. EPT may be justified in jaundiced patients without previous cholecystectomy when there is a high risk for laparotomy. Preoperative drainage of massive hyperbilirubinaemia caused by a carcinoma of the papilla of Vater and treatment of the blind sack syndrome in cases of choledochoduodenostomy are further indications of this method. Late complications after EPT are not known until now.