[Needle sphincterotomy: a safe method]

We performed needle papillotomy in 26 patients. When the biliary tract was not approach by conventional methods. We used an home made sphincterotomy and begin the incision at the papillar orifice and cut in cephalic direction to the 11-12 o'clock, and stop the cutting when we observe bile flow or choledochus mucosa. The only complication was bleeding in two patients and it stopped with epinephrine injection. There were not perforations or mortality. We conclude that needle papillotomy is a safe and useful method in selected cases.