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Endoscopy 2002; 34(7): 551-554
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-33211
Original Article
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Pancreatic Endoscopic Sphincterotomy in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis: A Single-Center Experience in 171 Consecutive Patients

R.  Jakobs 1 , C.  Benz 1 , A.  Leonhardt 1 , D.  Schilling 1 , J.  C.  Pereira-Lima 2 , J.  F.  Riemann 1
  • 1Dept. of Gastroenterology, Ludwigshafen Hospital (Academic Hospital of the University of Mainz), Ludwigshafen, Germany
  • 2Santa Casa University Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
Further Information

Publication History

Submitted 23 August 2001

Accepted after Revision 22 January 2002

Publication Date:
12 August 2002 (online)

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Background and Study Aims: In recent years, interest in endoscopic therapy techniques for pancreatic diseases has been constantly increasing. The aim of the present study was to assess the technical success, technique, and complications of endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (EPS) in patients with chronic pancreatitis.
Patients and Methods: A total of 171 patients with chronic pancreatitis and abdominal complaints were identified in whom at least one attempt at EPS was carried out. During the procedure, sphincterotomy was carried out using a guide-wire sphincterotome or a needle-knife papillotome. Patients were followed up after EPS for at least 24 h, including clinical symptoms and laboratory data (pancreatic enzymes and hemoglobin/hematocrit).
Results: EPS was performed in 167 of the 171 patients (technical success rate: 97.7 %). In 24 patients (14 %), a precut technique was necessary using a needle-knife sphincterotome. Sphincterotomy-related complications were observed in seven of the 171 patients (4.1 %), including three cases of bleeding, three patients with mild pancreatitis, and one with retroduodenal perforation. All complications were managed medically. There was no treatment-related mortality.
Conclusions: Endoscopic sphincterotomy of the pancreatic duct in patients with chronic pancreatitis is a fairly safe procedure with a high technical success rate.

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R. Jakobs, M.D.

Dept. of Medicine C (Gastroenterology) · Klinikum der Stadt Ludwigshafen ·

Bremserstrasse 79 · 67063 Ludwigshafen · Germany

Fax: + 49-621-503 4114

Email: MedCLu@t-online.de