The beginning: endoscopic sphincterotomy

Endoscopic sphincterotomy began almost simultaneously in two centers of endoscopic excellence, with Dr. Meinhard Classen in Erlangen, Germany, and Dr. Keiichi Kawai in Osaka, Japan. Their extraordinary feat and adventure into an unknown field of medicine was based on sound research and a vast experience in diagnostic ERCP. Their pioneering foray into therapeutic endoscopy was celebrated recently, and several current experts discussed their current approach to therapeutic ERCP. Drs. Classen and Kawai share their memories of the beginning of this era and Dr. Joseph Geenen, who wrote the first atlas of ERCP, adds his reminiscences of the events which started a revolution at the Papilla Vateri.