Combined Endoscopic Biliary Sphincterotomy and Large Balloon Dilation for Large Common Bile Duct Stones

Endoscopic sphincterotomy plus balloon dilation versus endoscopic sphincterotomy for choledocholithiasis: A meta‐analysis

“…1, Table 2). Three studies were excluded because EML was applied directly to all the patients of EST group but none of ESBD group, [29][30][31] which could not accurately reflect the usage of EML. One study was excluded because patients with coagulopathy were enrolled.…”

“…We also strictly screened for less-biased studies by excluding studies enrolling patients with coagulopathy and those not using EML as a remedy but a routine. 29,30,32 Our meta-analysis has several limitations. First, there were limited studies enrolled, which might decrease the robustness of the analysis and mask the presence of publication bias.…”

“…One of the strengths of our review compared with this review is that we applied a statistical method to separately combine the results of RCTs and nonrandomized studies, quality of which had been comprehensively evaluated. We also strictly screened for less‐biased studies by excluding studies enrolling patients with coagulopathy and those not using EML as a remedy but a routine …”