[Endoscopic sphincterotomy and removal of a gallstone from the common bile duct (author's transl)]

Twenty-one patients with an average age of 69 years were subjected to endoscopic sphincterotomy of the papilla of Vater over the past six months. This therapeutic approach was successful and without ensuring complications in 20 of these patients. Hence, endoscopic sphincterotomy can be recommended in the case of elderly or high-risk patients as an alternative form of therapy to surgery with the attendent dangers of anaesthesia and, in particular, duodenotomy. However, it is unlikely to become a routine procedure since a team of highly-experienced specialists in endoscopy is mandatory with the close cooperation of radiologists and surgeons. The technique, indications and complications are mentioned.