Abstract
The motor activity of the sphincter of Oddi (SO) has been evaluated, by endoscopic manometry, in 48 subjects. 8 with and 40 without duodenal juxtapapillary diverticula. All values were expressed in mm Hg, taking duodenal pressure as zero reference. In subjects with diverticula the SO basal pressure was 14.1 ± 4.3 mm Hg, peak pressure was 52.3 ± 17.2 mm Hg, and wave height was 39.75 ± 14.19 mm Hg; in subjects without diverticula these values were 31.2 ± 8.9 mm Hg. 93.2 ± 21.3 mm Hg, and 68.17 ± 25.86. respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001 for basal and peak pressure; P < 0.002 for wave height). Wave frequency was not significantly different in controls (4.99 ± 1.17/min) and in subjects with diverticula (4.98 ± 1.13/min). These findings seem to indicate that in patients with diverticula the SO is insufficient or dysfunctioning. The insufficiency of the SO and a reflux of bacteria from the duodenum into the bile duct could play a major role in the formation of stones in patients with diverticula. The same mechanism could be responsible for duodenopancreatic reflux and possible pancreatic lesion.