In this study we describe in detail the characteristics of sphincter of Oddi motor function in a large group of healthy subjects. Studies were obtained in 50 healthy volunteers. The findings showed a sphincter of Oddi segment that had a basal pressure of 14.8 +/- 6.3 mm Hg (X +/- SD). Phasic contractions were superimposed on the basal pressure. They had an amplitude of 119.7 +/- 32 mm Hg, a duration of 4.7 +/- 1 sec, and a frequency of 5.7 +/- 1.2 contractions/min. In 40 subjects the propagation sequence of phasic contractions could be evaluated and were simultaneous in 53%, antegrade in 35%, and retrograde in 11% of the waves. In 20 subjects, pressure measurements done at the common bile duct sphincter waves. In 20 subjects, pressure measurements done at the common bile duct sphincter were similar to those obtained at the pancreatic duct sphincter. In 10 subjects, pressure values obtained at the common bile duct sphincter within a week were similar. Our study should help to establish standards for normal manometric values of the sphincter of Oddi and emphasizes the importance of having a healthy volunteer group from which to obtain the normal values of sphincter of Oddi motor function.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.