Abstract:【objective】 To evaluate the effects and the safety of endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) combined with endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) in the treatment of extrahepatic bile duct stones. 【Methods】 A total of 87 patients with extrahepatic bile duct stones were divided into 2 groups to receive standard EST OR EST plus EPLBD respectively. The complication rate, complete stone clearance rate and gravel incidence were compared between the two groups. 【Results】 The rate of early complications was similar in 2 groups (7/43 vs 8/44, P >0.05). The rate of successful completed stone removal was also similar in 2 groups (42/43 vs 43/44, P >0.05). However, EST group needed more procedure time (35.2±5.2) vs (45.1±4.0) min, P <0.01), so was gravel incidence (2/43 vs 8/44, P <0.05). 【Conclusion】 EST combined with EPLBD is safe and effective for extrahepatic bile duct shone removal.