Reviewer's report 
 Anomalous Opening of the Common Bile Duct into the Duodenal Bulb: Endoscopic Treatment Title: 
 1  16 February 2007 Version: Date: 
 Christopher Christophi Reviewer: 
Reviewer's report: 
General 
This is an interesting article highlighting the clinical implications of an anomalous opening of the common 
bile duct into the duodenal bulb. A total of 53 cases are described, although full clinical details are presented 
in only 39 cases. These cases may be associated with biliary and duodenal complications. It is emphasized 
that balloon dilatation rather than sphincterotomy should be used in this condition associated with common 
duct stones to minimize complications. The reason quoted is a lack of a sphincter mechanisms at the lower 
end of the duct. 
This article has both anatomical and clinical significance. Even though this condition is previously described, 
this is a large series and further emphasizes the implications of this condition. It suffers from being a 
retrospective study with incomplete data. Some of the data lack objectivity and appear observational only. It 
is well presented however and the conclusions reached appear valid. The significance of this conditioned id clearly highlighted. This article would be improved if the underlying embryology and anatomical considerations are added to the text, perhaps with with appropriate illustrations. The references appear 
comprehensive. 
I would recommend acceptance for publication following revision. 
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Major Compulsory Revisions (that the author must respond to before a decision on publication can be 
reached) 
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Minor Essential Revisions (such as missing labels on figures, or the wrong use of a term, which the author 
can be trusted to correct) 
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Discretionary Revisions (which the author can choose to ignore) 
Reviewer's report 
 Anomalous Opening of the Common Bile Duct into the Duodenal Bulb: Endoscopic Treatment Title: 
 1  16 February 2007 Version: Date: 
 Christopher Christophi Reviewer: 
Reviewer's report: 
General 
This is an interesting article highlighting the clinical implications of an anomalous opening of the common 
bile duct into the duodenal bulb. A total of 53 cases are described, although full clinical details are presented 
in only 39 cases. These cases may be associated with biliary and duodenal complications. It is emphasized 
that balloon dilatation rather than sphincterotomy should be used in this condition associated with common 
duct stones to minimize complications. The reason quoted is a lack of a sphincter mechanisms at the lower 
end of the duct. 
This article has both anatomical and clinical significance. Even though this condition is previously described, 
this is a large series and further emphasizes the implications of this condition. It suffers from being a 
retrospective study with incomplete data. Some of the data lack objectivity and appear observational only. It 
is well presented however and the conclusions reached appear valid. The significance of this conditioned id clearly highlighted. This article would be improved if the underlying embryology and anatomical considerations are added to the text, perhaps with with appropriate illustrations. The references appear 
comprehensive. 
I would recommend acceptance for publication following revision. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Major Compulsory Revisions (that the author must respond to before a decision on publication can be 
reached) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Minor Essential Revisions (such as missing labels on figures, or the wrong use of a term, which the author 
can be trusted to correct) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Discretionary Revisions (which the author can choose to ignore) 
Please review this paper.
user
Reviewer's report 
 Anomalous Opening of the Common Bile Duct into the Duodenal Bulb: Endoscopic Treatment Title: 
 1  16 February 2007 Version: Date: 
 Christopher Christophi Reviewer: 
Reviewer's report: 
General 
This is an interesting article highlighting the clinical implications of an anomalous opening of the common 
bile duct into the duodenal bulb. A total of 53 cases are described, although full clinical details are presented 
in only 39 cases. These cases may be associated with biliary and duodenal complications. It is emphasized 
that balloon dilatation rather than sphincterotomy should be used in this condition associated with common 
duct stones to minimize complications. The reason quoted is a lack of a sphincter mechanisms at the lower 
end of the duct. 
This article has both anatomical and clinical significance. Even though this condition is previously described, 
this is a large series and further emphasizes the implications of this condition. It suffers from being a 
retrospective study with incomplete data. Some of the data lack objectivity and appear observational only. It 
is well presented however and the conclusions reached appear valid. The significance of this conditioned id clearly highlighted. This article would be improved if the underlying embryology and anatomical considerations are added to the text, perhaps with with appropriate illustrations. The references appear 
comprehensive. 
I would recommend acceptance for publication following revision. 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Major Compulsory Revisions (that the author must respond to before a decision on publication can be 
reached) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Minor Essential Revisions (such as missing labels on figures, or the wrong use of a term, which the author 
can be trusted to correct) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Discretionary Revisions (which the author can choose to ignore) 
assistant