Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and endoscopic papillotomy in patients with a previous Billroth-II resection.

Methods for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) and endoscopic papillotomy (EPT) in patients with Billroth-II operations are described, and experience with their use during the last four years (since 1980) is presented. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was successful in 134 of 147 patients (92%) and endoscopic papillotomy was successful in 46 of 50 patients. The described methods were used in two different hospitals by two different endoscopists and there was no difference in the results. We conclude that patients with a Billroth-II operation may undergo endoscopic diagnostic as well as therapeutic procedures with a high rate of success, with similar results as in ordinary patients and with no greater risk of complications.