Endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (EPBD) has been proposed as an alternative to endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) for endoscopic treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones. EPBD is as effective as EST in stone clearance with a lower risk of hemorrhage, and may preserve the function of sphincter of Oddi. However, it has been reported that about 20% of patients undergoing EPBD need EST as a rescue procedure for lithotripsy. A longer dilation duraton of 5 mintues as opposed to 1 minute has been proposed to decrease oozing after dilation and facilitate lithotripsy, and it is hypothesized that it will reduce the need of switching to EST.
Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation is as effective as sphincterotomy in treating bile duct stone. However, a need to switch to sphincterotomy is noted in about 20% of cases receiving dilation for lithotripsy. It is hypothesized that a longer dilation duration (5 min. vs. 1 min.) can decrease the need of switching to sphincterotomy.