ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficiency of the spot-welding electrocoagulation with needle-knife to prevent bleeding after endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST). MethodsThe clinical data of 187 patients underwent EST from August 2009 to October 2009 were retrospectively analyzed, study group （n=102) were treated with spotwelding electrocoagulation with needleknife and 110 000 noradrenaline washing, control group (n=85) were treated with 110 000 noradrenaline washing alone. The bleeding and complications after EST were observed. ResultsThe differences of gender, age, primary diseases, cormorbidities, nutritional status, and immune function were not significant between two groups (Pgt;0.05). The bleeding after EST happened 4 cases (4.70%) in the control group and none in the study group. The bleeding rate of the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group (Plt;0.05). The bleeding cases in the control group were controlled successfully by spotwelding electrocoagulation with needleknife under endoscopy. Cholangitis occurred in 5 cases altogether, 1 case in each group deteriorated promptly and died of multiple organ failure syndrome, another 3 cases, 2 in the study group, 1 in the control group, were cured by PTCD and antibiotics. Biliary tract hemorrhage occurred one case in each group, which one died in the study group. Pancreatitis occurred 1 case in the study group and 2 cases in the control group, all of which were salvaged by conservative therapy. The incidences of complications were not significantly different between two groups (Pgt;0.05). ConclusionsThe spotwelding electrocoagulation with needleknife can significantly reduce the bleeding rate after EST. It is an effective, safe, and easy technique, especially to rural areas.