[Endoscopic manometry in the common bile duct].

Reproducible results were obtained by endoscopic transpapillary pressure measurements with the help of a constantly perfused catheter. Manometric measurements were performed in 51 patients without any premedication. 14 patients with a normal biliary system were compared with 17 patients after cholecystectomy, 14 patients with stones in the common bile duct and 6 patients after papillotomy. Although there were significant differences in the diameter of the common bile duct in the four groups, only the papillotomized patients demonstrated a distinct change of the pressure in the bile duct. In these patients almost no pressure gradient existed between the biliary ducts and the duodenum. On the other hand, there was an increase in intraluminal pressure in the 2 patients with papillary stenosis. Endoscopic manometric measurements in the common bile duct are indicated to obtain reliable data on stenosis of the papilla duodeni, insufficient papillotomy or recurrent stenosis.