Reply to Katsinelos et al.

We read with interest the report by Katsinelos et al [1], of their successful removal of an impacted Dormia basket using balloon dilation. We have used this technique to extract difficult bile duct stones that could not be removed after endoscopic sphincterotomy using conventional accessories and techniques [2]. Their report also underlines the wider utility of balloon dilation.

Competing interests: None.

References

• 1 Katsinelos P, Germanidis G, Chatzimavroudis G. et al . Biliary sphincter dilation: a novel approach for management of a biliary basket impaction.  Endoscopy. 2008;  40 858
• 2 Misra S P, Dwivedi M. Large-balloon dilation after endoscopic sphincterotomy for removal of difficult bile duct stones.  Endoscopy. 2008;  40 209-213