Abstract:Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of small endoscopic sphincterotomy plus large balloon dilation (EPLBD) for removal of common bile duct stones larger than 10 mm in the elderly patients with common bile ducts stones. Methods From January 2010 to December 2014, 256 elderly patients with CBD stones were randomly divided into 2 groups, to receive EPLBD (n = 129) or EST only (n = 127). The efficacy and impact on blood amylase were observe and studied. Results The success rates of the initial lithotomy were similar between the two groups (88.37% vs 88.97%). Complications due to treatment procedure occurred similarly between the two groups(13.17% vs 14.17%). There was no significant difference between the level of blood amylase 4, 12, 24 hours after surgery between the two groups. Conclusion EPLBD is as effective and safe as EST for elderly patients with CBD stones larger than 10 mm, and is more efficient in terms of procedure time.