Endoscopic Sphincterotomy and Post Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis: In an Era of Declining Mystery, the Unknown Persists

Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) is a common procedure in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-guided biliary drainage. Mastering sphincterotomy is quintessential in the learning curve of ERCP. With evolution in electrosurgical units from pure cut to endocut and use of modern sphincterotomes, the incidences of post-ERCP bleeding or pancreatitis have reduced. A recent study by Kato et  al1 showed that ES led to decreased risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis in patients with biliary strictures than those who did not have sphincterotomy (non-ES).
Source: Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research