Duodenoscopy and endoscopic pancreatography in patients with p...

Twenty-three patients with abdominal pain and positive morphine prostigmine tests underwent duodenoscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Sixteen demonstrated marked or moderate ampullary stenosis. The pancreatic duct was dilated in three and stenotic in four. Ampullary stenosis was confirmed in all patients who subsequently underwent sphincteroplasty. Only six patients had pancreatitis demonstrated by appropriate laboratory studies or at surgery. Relief of pain after sphincteroplasty was complete in ten patients during follow-up.