title: Endoscopic sphincterotomy with large balloon dilation versus endoscopic sphincterotomy for bile duct stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: The safety and efficacy of endoscopic sphincterotomy with large balloon dilation (EPLBD) are unclear. This study compares the safety and efficacy between EPLBD and endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST).
  
  
  METHODS
  Literatures were searched for randomized controlled trials in PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Outcome measurements included adverse events; stone removal rate; requirement of mechanical lithotripsy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four RCTs with a total of 596 patients were included. Three RCTs compared EPLBD versus EST alone for stone removal; one RCT compared EPLBD versus EST plus mechanical lithotripsy for stone removal. Pooled data from three RCTs showed that there was no significant difference in the adverse event of ERCP. A significantly higher cholangitis rate was seen in patients who received EST plus mechanical lithotripsy, compared to those treated with EPLBD (13.3% versus 0.0, P = 0.026). No statistical difference was found between EPLBD and EST for stone removal rate. Significant differences in requirement of mechanical lithotripsy were seen with removal of large stones (>15 mm), with EPLBD reducing the use of mechanical lithotripsy (RR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.54-0.99).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EPLBD and EST have similar efficacy and safety for bile duct stones clearance. With larger stones, EPLBD can reduce requirement of mechanical lithotripsy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Ningbo No. 1 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, China.
authors.forename: Lei
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.affiliation: Institute of Digestive Diseases, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Moe Htet
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Kyaw
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Yee Kit
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Tse
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: James Yun Wong
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Lau
mesh_terms: D042882:Gallstones / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016717:Sphincterotomy, Endoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome