Transduodenal sphincterotomy in laparoscopic era.

Indications for transduodenal sphincterotomy have been reduced in recent years, mainly because of the development of endoscopic sphincterotomy and laparoscopic procedures. Endoscopic treatment is effective, but it is necessary to carefully evaluate its indications because the incidence of early and late complications is not negligible. Laparoscopic procedures require advanced and expensive technologies and considerable laparoscopic experience. Transduodenal sphincterotomy is safe and effective, if correctly performed. Some risk factors appear to be related to the incidence of complications that do not significantly differ from those following endoscopic sphincterotomy. Transduodenal sphincterotomy may be still indicated in selected cases, and for this reason it should be considered an essential part of the knowledge of a general surgeon.