Sphincter of Oddi remains the gold standard for diagnosing sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. It is often combined with a diagnostic ERCP and includes manometric catheter adjustment. A triple-lumen catheter that allows continuous suction of the pancreatic duct may reduce the risk of post-procedural pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis is the major complication of sphincterotomy. Increased intraductal pressure, overfilling of the ductal system, dyscoagulability, and repeated pancreatic duct spasm and trauma have all been implicated as etiological factors, possibly due to impaired pancreatic duct drainage.