Review for 10.1186/s12876-019-1017-x (2019)

Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: The efficacy of limited endoscopic sphincterotomy plus endoscopic papillary large balloon 
dilation for removal of large bile duct stones  
 
Version: 1 Date: 15 Jan 2019  
 
Reviewer: Seok Jeong  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
The authors reported a retrospective preliminary study to determine the safety and efficacy of 
endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation with limited EST for removal of large bile duct stones  
(> 15 mm).  
However, there have been already many published previous clinical data about the same subject. 
And I don't think your clinical data gives readers a new meaningful message.  
So, this article is not of high enough priority for publication in BMC G astroenterology.  
Are the methods appropriate and well des cribed?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
No 
 
Are the conclusions dr awn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an  
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects require further  
assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
Not relevant to this manuscript  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Needs some language correct ions before being published  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
Please complete a declaration of competing interests, considering the following questions:  
 
1. Have you in the past five years received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an  
organisat ion that may in any way gain or lose financially from the publication of this  
manuscript, either now or in the future?  
 
2. Do you hold any stocks or shares in an organisation that may in any way gain or lose  
financially from the publication of this manuscri pt, either now or in the future?  
 
3. Do you hold or are you currently applying for any patents relating to the content of the  
manuscript?  
 
4. Have you received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an organization that 
holds  or has applied for patent s relating to the content of the manuscript?  
 
5. Do you have any other financial competing interests?  
 
6. Do you have any non -financial competing interests in relation to this paper?  
 
If you can answer no to all of the above, write 'I declare that I have no c ompeting interests' 
below.  If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.  
 
I declare that I have no competing interests.  
 
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on my report to the authors and, if the manuscript is accepted for publication, my named report  
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I agree to the open peer review policy of the journal