| Abstract: | Abstract: To investigate whether prophylactic temporary stenting of the main pancreatic duct would decrease the incidence of pancreatitis after endoscopic sphincter dilation (ESD), we conducted this procedure subsequent to ESD in 13 patients who had common bile duct stones. After ESD and extraction of stones, a stent was placed into the pancreatic duct across the papilla of Vater. The stent was removed endoscopically three days later. Stents were successfully placed in 12 (92.3%) patients. In 11 of the patients, there was no significant elevation of serum amylase values before and after the procedure. The remaining patient, whose stent was identified as occluded, demonstrated elevated serum amylase values. However, there were no other procedure-related complications. Although our report was only limited to 12 cases, our results suggest that temporary pancreatic stenting may help prevent postprocedual pancreatitis. (Dig Endosc 1999; 11:32–36) |
