Stenosis of the Sphincter of Oddi

Abstract

IN recent years, surgeons who operate upon patients for biliary-tract disease have become increasingly aware of the significant role of obstruction of the common duct at the sphincter of Oddi. This has been particularly true in patients with recurrent biliary symptoms after a cholecystectomy. Recurrent attacks of severe pain in the right upper quadrant or epigastrium, with or without jaundice, may result from obstruction at this point that is not due to commonduct stones, pancreatitis or carcinoma of the ampulla or head of the pancreas. There may be no other demonstrable pathologic change in the entire biliary tract except an . . .