Early postoperative endoscopic sphincterotomy for retained common bile duct stones

Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed within 28 days after cholecystectomy in 20 patients with retained common bile duct stones, of whom 15 (75%) underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy within the first week of surgery. Stone extraction was successful in all patients and no immediate complications were noted. Early endoscopic sphincterotomy for retained common bile duct stones was safe and effective in the early postoperative period.