[Endoscopic papillotomy].

Endoscopic sphincterotomy is a new procedure for the management of extrahepatic cholestasis. The main indications are residual or recurrent common bile duct stones and papillary stenosis. In high risk patients endoscopic sphincterotomy is the procedure of choice even in the absence of previous cholecystectomy. In these cases especially, mortality is considerably lower compared to surgical therapy. Sphincterotomy is successful in more than 90% of patients, and in about 85% passage of common bile duct stones occurs. Follow-up studies have thus far revealed no significant adverse effects.