Abstract

We report the results of endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) in 20 patients with retained common bile duct stones and a T tube in situ. Endoscopic stone extraction was successful in 18 patients (90 percent). There was one procedure related complication (a cause of self-limited pancreatitis). This method is effective and safe in the early postoperative period. It has advantages in shortening hospital stay and rapid treatment during the same admission as for the original operation.