What is an endoscopic sphincterotomy?
Definition Endoscopic sphincterotomy or endoscopic retrograde sphincterotomy (ERS) is a relatively new endoscopic technique developed to examine and treat abnormalities of the bile ducts, pancreas and gallbladder. The procedure was developed as an extension to the diagnostic examination, ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography); with the addition of “sphincterotomy,” abnormalities found during the study could be treated at the same time without the need for invasive surgery. The term ERS has three parts to its definition; • endoscopic refers to the use of an endoscope • retrograde refers to the insertion of the endoscope up into the ducts in a direction opposite to or against the normal flow of bile down the ducts • sphincterotomy, which means cutting of the sphincter or muscle that lies at the juncture of the intestine with both the bile and pancreatic ducts. Purpose Until the 1970s, patients with symptoms related to disease of the bile ducts or pancreas frequently needed
