The results obtained with endoscopic papillo-sphincterotomy in the treatment of gallstones and cicatricial stenosis of the papilla are reported. The treatment proved effective in 91.3% of patients with papillary stenosis and the incidence of side-effects (cholangitis, pancreatitis, bleeding, perforation) was 7.5%. Endoscopic PST hitherto restricted to cases judge inoperable due to serious concomitant pathologies may be a valid alternative to surgery wherever total sphincter dysfunction can be ascertained.