[Endoscopic papillotomy (EPT) (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopic procedures
• Biliary tract interventions

Context:

• Obstructive jaundice due to choledocholithiasis is a common clinical problem.
• Surgical reintervention in the biliary tree carries significant risks, especially in elderly and post-cholecystectomy patients.
• Endoscopic papillotomy (EPT) emerged as a less invasive therapeutic option.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic papillotomy (EPT) as an alternative to surgical intervention for obstructive jaundice.
• To determine the complication rate and mortality associated with EPT.
• To identify specific indications for EPT beyond common bile duct stones.

Summary:

• A total of 155 endoscopic papillotomies (EPT) were performed between August 1974 and December 1977.
• EPT proved to be an acceptable alternative to surgical reintervention, with a low overall complication rate of 9%.
• Indications include obstructive jaundice from stones in aged/cholecystectomized patients, high-risk laparotomy patients, preoperative drainage for hyperbilirubinemia due to Vater's papilla carcinoma, and blind pouch syndrome.

Impact:

• Endoscopic papillotomy (EPT) offers a valuable, less invasive treatment option for obstructive jaundice, reducing the need for high-risk surgery.
• The study highlights the safety profile of EPT, with a low complication rate, suggesting its broader applicability in specific patient groups.
• EPT provides a minimally invasive approach for managing complex biliary conditions, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.