Cholangitis after endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with stricture of the biliary duct.

Five patients with stricture of the common hepatic bile duct underwent endoscopic treatment without relief from cholangitis or successful stricture dilation. A Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy was performed upon four patients who are now symptom-free. Endoscopic sphincterotomy leads to bactobilia and increases the risk of cholangitis, particularly in patients with residual obstruction of the bile duct. Although endoscopic treatment may have a role in patients at high risk, there is uncertainty about the long term results and the risk of progressive liver damage. In the majority of patients, the results of operation for benign stricture of the bile duct are such that operative repair is the treatment of choice.