Objective:To investigate the value of the Endoscopic Sphincterotomy (EST) for stones of common bile duct.Methods:to analyze and study the cases of stones of common bile duct,which have been treated with EST in our department,in about twenty years.Results:457 out of 466 cases have proved successful,with successful rate up to 98%.Howerer,four cases failed as the stones have not been eradicted.Five cases have been operated due to certain complications.Complications include hemorrhage,acute cholangitis and acute pancreatitis occurred in 14 cases.The rate of complication is 3%.Conclusions:The EST aprroach for stones of common bile duct can be conducted without anesthesia and laparotomy,also it is more safe and efficient.It has been proved to be an ideal approach to the treatment of stones of common bile duct at present.