Biliary Sphincterotomy: In certain instances in which there are problems and anomalies involving the biliary tract, a biliary sphincterotomy can be performed. This procedure is performed to cut open the papilla which should be necessarily done prior to the main surgery. However, biliary sphincterotomy itself can also be a form of treatment for a certain biliary tree disorder.

Biliary sphincterotomy is successfully carried out with the aid of instruments like the sphincterotome or the papillotome. Through time, the techniques and the instruments have advanced a lot. However, the procedure as a whole remains pretty much the same. First off, the sphincterotome must be deeply inserted into the bile duct so as to cut the papilla. An electrocautery device would then be used to help incise the sphincter. So as to prevent a great deal of complications the cutting current must be precisely determined and as well as the correct positioning of the catheter in the papilla.

Biliary sphincterotomy is normally done in conjunction to an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). It is vital to consider those patients who would undergo this procedure since not everyone may be qualified for this. Bleeding tendencies should be foreseen since the common complications of this procedure include perforation, bleeding and acute pancreatitis. At times, the procedure itself is the main cause why these complications arise.