[Endoscopic papillotomy (author's transl)].

Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) is a useful alternative to re-intervention of the bile ducts in cases of choledocholithiasis in the aged patient. The rate of success of EST is 87.7%, the rate of complications 8.4%, and the rate of mortality 1.1%. Mortality from EST is lower than that from transduodenal papillotomy or reoperation of the bile ducts. Late complications after EST are unknown and not to be expected.