[Is dilatation of the papilla a differential diagnostic or therapeutic intervention?].

Calculations were made to establish the action of probes of different thickness on both cicatric tissue and unstriated muscles of the major duodenal papilla. The findings are graphically represented. These calculations were based on histopathological findings recorded from the major duodenal papilla, expandibility, of collagenic fibres and unstriated muscles, and morphometric measurements. The conclusion was drawn that passage of a probe of more than 3 mm in diameter through a cicatrically narrowed papilla constituted an act of therapy or at least had a therapeutic component in addition to probing. The therapeutic range of papillary dilatation is limited to something from three to six millimetres.