MIRIZZIS SYNDROME

Mirizzi's syndrome is a partial obstruction of the biliary tree caused by a stone impacted in the cystic duct, with or without development o f a cholecystobiliary fistula. We report our experience with five case s and review current methods of diagnosis and management. Preoperative diagnosis greatly facilitates management. Diagnosis may require a com bination of ultrasonography, computed tomography, and cholangiography (percutaneous or endoscopic retrograde). At surgery, dissection in the triangle of Calot should be minimized to avoid injury to the common b ile duct. Often, a partial cholecystectomy is the only safe option. De fects in the common bile duct can be repaired by a variety of methods. The morbidity and mortality associated with this rare syndrome can be relatively high. A number of patients may have late biliary stricture s.