Post-sphincterotomy Transampullary Balloon Dilation Is a Safe and Effective Technique

Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of performing ampullary balloon dilation (ABD) following endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES). Methods Retrospective review of patients that underwent ABD at Thomas Jefferson University from 2000 to 2007. In all cases, dilation was performed with Hurricane® RX hydrostatic balloons (Boston Scientific, Natick MA) or CRETM esophageal dilating balloons (Boston Scientific, Natick MA). Results ABD following ES was performed in 69 patients. The procedure was performed for choledocholithiasis in 58%, abnormal imaging in 26%, and abnormal liver enzymes in 23% of patients. ABD following ES was 86% successful in achieving the intended therapeutic goal of the procedure. Pancreatitis (2.9%) post endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) occurred in two individuals, with one case of hemorrhage (1.5%) and one perforation (1.5%). Conclusion ABD following ES is a safe and effective alternative to ES alone, particularly for the extraction of large common bile duct (CBD) stones.