Endoscopic sphincterotomy in the management of gallstone pancreatitis.

The presence of pancreatitis does not constitute a contraindication to endoscopic sphincterotomy in the management of common duct calculi. On the contrary, experience with 10 cases of gallstone pancreatitis suggests that endoscopic sphincterotomy can be carried out safely with little disturbance to the patient, and that it greatly simplifies the management of these cases. In the frail and elderly patient little further may be required.