ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the short term efficacy and security of different diameters of ampulla balloon dilation in the treatment of choledocholithiasis. Methods 80 patients with extrahepatic bile duct stones treated by EPBD were included in this study. All the patients were divided into 8 mm group, 10 mm group, 12 mm group, 14 mm group, which were according to the diameter of common bile duct (CBD) and stones. CBD stones were removed with retrieved balloon, Dormia basket, and/or mechanical lithotripsy if necessary. The incidence of 24 h hemorrhage, acute pancreatitis, hyperamylasemia and intestinal perforation were observed, and the incidence of pneumobilia and duodenobiliary reflux two weeks after EPBD. Then analyzed the short-term efficacy of the four groups. Result The overall success of stone removal in all groups were 100.0%, there was no significant differences in bleeding, intestinal perforation, hyperamylasemia, pancreatitis between each group (P > 0.05) . There shows significant differences in pneumobilia and duodenobiliary reflux two weeks after EPBD (P < 0.05). The incidence of pneumobilia and duodenobiliary reflux increased with the size of the balloon. Conclusion The application of EPBD is effective and safe for bile duct stone removal, while with the increasing of balloon diameter, the function of Oddi sphincter has severely influenced.