Sphincter of Oddi: Understanding Its' Control, Function and Disease

The most common functional disorders of the biliary tract and pancreas relate to the activity of the sphincter of Oddi. The sphincter of Oddi is a small smooth muscle sphincter strategically placed at the junction of the bile duct, pancreatic duct and duodenum. Disorder in its motility is called sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Clinically this presents either with recurrent abdominal pain or episodes of recurrent pancreatitis. Manometry may identify the motility abnormality and treatment by division of the sphincter is associated with good long term results.