Sphincterotomy.

As a supplement to a theoretical study published in 1966, we now report the indications and results in nine cases, seen over a period of five years, in which papillotomy or a short sphincterotomy was performed for cholelithiasis. In six cases, the indication was based on the presence of low-seated calculi in the common bile duct or in the papilla, which calculi could not be removed via the supraduodenal choledochotomy; in two cases it was based on the presence of a stenosis of the papilla without choledocholithiasis. In seven patients the postoperative course was uneventful. One woman exhibited a complication not connected with the bile-duct operation, and one other patient showed leakage of the suture line in the duct, a complication that may also occur after simple choledochotomy and which accordingly is not attributable to the additional sphincterotomy. All the patients have remained symptom-free during the follow-up period. These results confirm the data in the international literature and prove that for the limited range of indications mentioned, sphincterotomy may be performed if it is considered necessary.