Endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy.

We attempted endoscopic sphincterotomy in 35 patients previously subjected to Billroth II gastrectomy, and succeeded in 23 of them. It is often difficult to pass the instrument along the afferent loop and the sphincterotomy incision is seldom placed in an optimal position. Although we had complications in only 2 patpients, it is likely that spincterotomy carries a higher risk in Billroth II gastrectomy patients. It should therefore be reserved for patients who are at high risk for surgery.