title: Prospective multicenter study comparing a standard reusable sphincterotome with a disposable triple-lumen sphincterotome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Few data are available on the comparative performance of different types of sphincterotome. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of endoscopic sphincterotomy performed with either a reusable, single-lumen sphincterotome or a disposable triple-lumen instrument.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-seven consecutive adults requiring endoscopic sphincterotomy were prospectively and randomly assigned treatment with either a standard reusable single-lumen sphincterotome (group A, n = 38) or a disposable triple-lumen sphincterotome with a guidewire (group B, n = 39). The success rate, complications, and cost of the procedure per patient were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Deep cannulation was successful in 87% of cases in each group and sphincterotomy was achieved in 76% and 84% of cases in group A and B, respectively (NS). In the endoscopists' opinion the two instruments performed almost equally well. Twelve procedure-related complications occurred: 5 (all hemorrhages) in group A and 7 (1 hemorrhage, 4 cases of pancreatitis and 2 of cholangitis) in group B (NS). Eight reusable sphincterotomes were used with a cost of $61 per patient, compared with 39 disposable sphincterotomes with a cost of $241 per patient (p = 0.02).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A standard reusable sphincterotome is satisfactory for most endoscopic sphincterotomies, and yields a substantial cost savings without compromising the success or safety of the procedure.
authors.affiliation: Services d'Endoscopie Digestive, Paris, France.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Canard
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cellier
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Houcke
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Laurent
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gorce
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Landi
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016717:Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome