Endoscopic fistulotomy (EFT) for parapapillary choledochoduodenal fistula

Up to now, surgery was the only possible treatment for choledochoduodenal fistulas, which are seen more often in Japan than in Europe. This paper presents the value and effect of endoscopic fistulotomy (EFT) as an alternative treatment in those cases. Parapapillary choledochoduodenal fistulas are abserved usually on the longitudinal fold of the papilla or on its oral side. The papillotome is inserted into the common bile duct through the orifice of the duodenal papilla, then the wall between its orifice and the fistula is cut to open widely the distal portion of the choledochus. EFT was performed successfully in 7 cases. The procedure led to a wide open stoma of the distal common bile duct with free bile outflow. Residual stones, a common occurrence in cases of parapapillary choledochoduodenal fistulas, may pass spontaneously after EFT or can be removed with a basket catheter. In cases of parapapillary choledochoduodenal fistula, EFT is a reliable method, especially in high-risk patients, and an alternative to surgical treatment.