Endoscopic papillotomy in the management of choledocholithiasis.

Endoscopic papillotomy was attempted in 72 patients with common bile duct stones, 47 of whom previously had been cholecystectomized and 25 with their gallbladder still present. Papillotomy was successful in 69 patients (96%) and the duct was cleared of stones in 63 (88%). Nine patients thus needed elective surgery. There was no mortality following papillotomy and no grave complication occurred. On the follow-up, from 5 months to 10 years (mean 4 years), only one of the 63 patients with successful papillotomy has required operation. Endoscopic papillotomy is effective for treating many patients with choledocholithiasis, both in those following cholecystectomy and in those with gallbladders in situ.