Endoscopy 1988; 20: 207-210
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1018177
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Balloon Dilation of the Sphincter of Oddi

R. A. Kozarek
  • Section of Therapeutic Endoscopy, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
17 March 2008 (online)

Summary

No controlled studies document either clinical or biochemical efficacy following balloon dilation of the sphincter of Oddi. Because of this and the unacceptable rates of pancreatitis and cholangitis associated with sphincter dilation when compared with the other available modalities of sphincterotomy, stent placement and surgery, this technology currently has little place when dealing with a spastic or stenotic sphincter mechanism.

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