ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effect of endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST) combined with endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation(EPLBD) in the treatment of common bile duct stones. Methods A total of 128 patients treated with EST combined with EPLBD for common bile duct stones were divided into 0 min group, 1 min group, 3 min group and 5 min group, according to the different balloon expansion times. The balloon was extended to the required diameter and was maintained to the corresponding time, and then decreased the pressure to remove the balloon. Patients were given routine monitoring and treatment after operation. All patients were observed more than 48 h to determine whether there were early complications such as pancreatitis and bleeding. The effectiveness of EPLBD was evaluated by the stone diameter, expansion balloon diameter, ERCP operation time and use of stone breaker. The safety was evaluated by the occurrence of complications including postoperative pancreatitis, bleeding and perforation. Results All patients were successfully removed stones. There were no significant differences in the maximum diameter of stone, the diameter of bile duct dilatation and the diameter of balloon dilatation between groups. No bleeding, perforation, biliary tract infection and acute pancreatitis were found in patients. There were no significant differences in the utilization rates of stone breaker between groups. ERCP operation times showed a trend of decreased first and then increased in 0, 1 and 3 min groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in ERCP operation time between 3 min group and 0 min group. There were no significant differences in incidence rates of high amylase between groups. Conclusion EST combined with EPLBD is a safe and effective treatment for early stage of larger common bile duct stones, of which 1 minute group shows better effect.