Perendoscopic versus intra-operative sphincter of Oddi manometry

Advances in manometric and catheter technology have allowed study of the human sphincter of Oddi by transductal recording of pressure changes. These studies may be performed either via an endoscopic approach or during biliary surgery. The results from these sphincter of Oddi manometric studies have demonstrated that the human sphincter of Oddi is characterized by prominent phasic contractions which are superimposed on a modest basal pressure. The phasic contractions are mainly orientated in an antegrade direction and, therefore, appear to propel fluid from the biliary and pancreatic systems into the duodenum.