sphincterotome

Endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy refers to the transection of the biliary sphincter within the ampulla of Vater (also referred to as the papilla or the major duodenal papilla of Vater). Cannulation of the bile duct is followed by high frequency current applied with a special knife (sphincterotome) to incise the circumferential muscle within sphincter of Oddi. Sphincterotomy is a technically complex procedure that is performed under direct endoscopic visualization and fluoroscopic guidance.