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Updated: May 22, 2026
06:51
Quantitative Analysis by Thermogravimetry-Mass Spectrum Analysis for Reactions with Evolved Gases
Published on: October 29, 2018
Courvoisier's law revisited
Aijaz A Memon1, M Ishaque Soomro, Quratul-Ain Soomro
1Department of General Surgery, Chandka Medical College Hospital and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, Larkana. aijaznmemon@gmail.com
Summary
Courvoisier's law suggests a palpable gallbladder in jaundiced patients indicates malignancy, not gallstones. This case challenges that, showing gallstones can cause a palpable gallbladder due to common bile duct obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Courvoisier's law posits that a palpable gallbladder in a jaundiced patient typically suggests malignancy rather than gallstones.
- This is attributed to the theory that gallstones cause gallbladder fibrosis, preventing distension, while tumors allow for distension.
Observation:
- The study presents a rare case of a jaundiced patient with a palpable gallbladder.
- Contrary to the typical assumption, the palpable gallbladder was caused by multiple gallstones and a large common bile duct stone.
Findings:
- The patient presented with jaundice, a palpable gallbladder, and confirmed cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis.
- This presentation directly contradicts the classical interpretation of Courvoisier's law.
Implications:
- This case highlights that Courvoisier's law is not absolute and exceptions exist.
- It underscores the importance of considering gallstone disease in the differential diagnosis of a palpable gallbladder in jaundiced patients, even when malignancy is suspected.
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