Extraperitoneal sphincteroplasty for residual stones: an update.

Sphincteroplasty was done via the extraperitoneal transduodenal approach in 42 patients. The indications were residual stones in 34 patients, stricture at Oddi's sphincter in seven patients, and relapsing pancreatitis in one patient. Seven patients suffered operative complications, with one death. Sphincteroplasty was successfully performed in all patients, and the residual stones were removed in 31. Thirty-three of the 36 patients followed up for a mean of seven years were asymptomatic. Extraperitoneal sphincteroplasty has a role in supplementing endoscopic papillotomy and percutaneous extraction through the T-tube tract in the treatment of patients with residual stones.