The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Endoscopic balloon dilatation versus endoscopic sphincterotomy for the removal of bile duct stones: a prospective randomised trial. Gut 2003; 52: 1165-1169

Published: 1st January 2003

Authors: Vlavianos P, Chopra K, Mandalia S, Anderson M, Thompson J, Westaby D et al.

Conclusion

A total of 202 procedures were included. Both procedures were similarly effective: duct clearance rates were 87.4 per cent after dilatation and 86.9 per cent after sphincterotomy. Overall complication rates were also similar: 11.7 and 15.2 per cent, respectively

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