Benign extrinsic compression of the common bile duct: a case report

Painless obstructive jaundice is usually the result of malignant compression of the distal common bile duct. Infrequently extrinsic benign lesions may also cause ductal obstruction and be mistaken for a malignant process. A case of compression of the distal common bile duct is described. Preoperative evaluation was most consistent with a cystadenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas. At operation we found an enlarged and calcified periductal lymph node with associated fibrosis and compression and obstruction of the distal common duct. Massive dilatation of the distal common duct and the cystic duct remnant gave it the appearance of a cystic mass in the superior border of the head of the pancreas. Resection and choledochoduodenostomy were curative.