[Endoscopic sphincterotomy: long-term results]

The indications and results of 316 endoscopic sphincterotomies (ES) performed during 13 years are described. The most common indications were choledocolithisis 83% and stenosis 17% including: papillary stenosis, Oddi's disfunction, cancer of the ampulla and terminal choledochus, biliary pancreatitis and benign strictures. Stones were retrieved from in 95% of cases. We had complications in 7%, hemorrhage was the most frequent. Three cases were operated because of perforation and bleeding with no mortality. We placed 11 papillary stents, 8 naso-biliary drainages and 2 balloon dilatations. Comments are made on ES and recent advances in therapeutic endoscopy, dissolution and fragmentation of stones. Therefore, ES is a non-aggressive method, that diminishes hospital expenses and solves most of the cases in high-risk surgical patients. ES will play a very important role in the treatment of gallbladder and bile duct stones.