Abstract

Background
/Aims: Endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (EPST) has been performed more frequently in recent years. However, it is less widely practiced than biliary sphincterotomy due to lack of firm scientific data regarding its indication and safety. The aims of this study are to evaluate EPST with regard to indications, complications, and safety. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the results of EPST performed in three hundred thirty nine patients from January 2000 to April 2004. Results: Complications occurred in 37 patients (10.7%) which included pancreatitis, hemorrhage, perforation, cholangitis, sepsis, and stenosis of sphincterotomy site. They were successfully managed by medical treatment. No mortalities were reported. Conclusions: EPST is a relatively safe procedure in various pancreatic diseases. Incidence of long-term complications awaits further investigations. EPST enlarges our endotherapeutic armamentarium and deserves additional evaluation. (Korean J Gastrointest Endosc 2005;31:155⁣160)

• Keywords: Endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy, Endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy, Complication, Safety