Technique of transduodenal exploration of the common bile duct. Duodenoscopic appearances after biliary sphincterotomy.

A simple technique for performing biliary sphincterotomy is described. From an experience of 150 such operations this has been found to provide satisfactory access for exploring the biliary tree and makes T-tube drainage unnecessary. Duodenoscopic observation up to 9 years after the operation showed that the sphincteric region had healed without stenosis. Sphincteric activity had not been completely abolished.