Preoperative diagnosis of Mirizzi syndrome.

Mirizzi syndrome is defined as an obstruction of the common hepatic duct by a stone present in the cystic duct or neck of the gallbladder. This entity rarely has been reported, and in only a few cases was the diagnosis made preoperatively. The preoperative diagnosis is of great importance since intraoperative findings may be similar to carcinoma of the extrahepatic biliary system, which requires a different technical approach. Furthermore, unrecognized cholecystobiliary or cholecystoenteric fistula resulting from stone penetration lead to serious postoperative complications, which can be avoided if the condition is properly recognized.