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Precut sphincterotomy: Indications, pitfalls, and complications

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Abstract

Precut sphincterotomy is a technique employed to gain access to the common bile duct (CBD) when standard methods using catheters, cannulatomes, and guidewires have failed. It is particularly useful in cases of distal biliary strictures or distal impacted stones and in patients with Billroth II gastrectomies who require papillotomy. It significantly improves the overall success rate of CBD access. This technique should only be used, however, when a therapeutic maneuver is anticipated, and it has no place in diagnostic imaging. In the hands of experienced, skillful endoscopists, the complication rate is comparable with that of standard sphincterotomy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Centre, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Catherine J. Larkin DO & Kees Huibregtse MD, PhD

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  1. Catherine J. Larkin DO
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  2. Kees Huibregtse MD, PhD
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Larkin, C.J., Kees, H. Precut sphincterotomy: Indications, pitfalls, and complications. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 3, 147–153 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-001-0012-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-001-0012-9

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