Radiologically assisted endoscopic papillotomy

Endoscopic sphincterotomy is now established as a safe technique for the treatment of common bile duct stones or papillary stenosis. The procedure is occasionally unsuccessful because of difficulty in cannulation. Two patients are described in whom the presence of a transbiliary drainage catheter facilitated endoscopic sphincterotomy. With such radiologic assistance, there should be few patients in whom the procedure cannot be accomplished.