LONG-TERM RESULTS OF ENDOSCOPIC SPHINCTER OTOMY

A review is made of the results of long-term endoscopic sphincterotomy . We studied 81 endoscopic sphincterotomies performed between 1980 and 1985. The technique performed, its indications and immediate complica tions were evaluated, along with the follow-up carried out in these pa tients (minimum 6 year). In view of the results obtained, the patients were classified as asymptomatic or symptomatic. Thus, immediate compl ications (21.9%) were all minor, with the exception of one case (1.2%) of severe complication due to acute pancreatitis. One death was recor ded three days after sphincterotomy, corresponding to an elderly patie nt with in situ gallbladder as a consequence of biliary sepsis. In tur n, 91.4% of the patients followed-up at long term remained asymptomati c.The overall results show the method to be effective, with few either immediate or long-term complications.