In the Department of Surgery of the University of Mainz we prefer dilatation for treatment of stenosis of the papilla. In 1063 cases out of 4058 operations for cholelithiasis, we opened the choledochus. In 944 patients, a dilatation was performed; 40 were treated by papillotomy; in 79 cases, primarily in the past, we performed a biliodigestive anastomosis. In 106 patients we finished the procedure by inserting a T-tube; in 838 cases primary closure of the choledochus was performed. In 12 complications of the dilatation (perforation, pancreatitis, restenosis), there was no mortality; therefore we conclude that dilatation of the papilla is a safe, simple, and effective procedure.