Caption

Ampulla of Vater, a nipple-like opening in the small intestines through which bile drains from the bile ducts and the gallbladder, and digestive juices drain from the pancreas. Gallstones that are present in the bile ducts may be removed endoscopically by first passing a wire through this tiny opening, splaying it open with a coagulating current, and then passing baskets or balloons to retrieve stones.