The Mirizzi syndrome.

The Mirizzi syndrome is an unusual presentation of gallstones which occurs when a gallstone becomes impacted in either Hartmann's pouch of the gallbladder or the cystic duct, causing obstruction of the common hepatic duct by extrinsic compression. The diagnosis of this syndrome is of importance because surgery in its presence is associated with an increased incidence of bile duct injury. The pathology, clinical presentation and management of this syndrome are discussed, and several illustrative case reports presented.