Mirizzi syndrome: The Trojan horse of gallbladder disease

The incidence of Mirizzi Syndrome ranges from 0.05 to 5.7 % of patients who undergo cholecystectomy. The purpose of this study is to examine the preoperative workup and postoperative outcomes for patients diagnosed with Mirizzi Syndrome.

Retrospective chart review was conducted between January 2018 and January 2022 at a single institution. All adult patients who underwent cholecystectomy were included.

1628 patients underwent cholecystectomy of which 47 were diagnosed with Mirizzi Syndrome. The majority of patients had type 1 Mirizzi Syndrome. Preoperative studies were often nondiagnostic and 81 % of cases were diagnosed intraoperatively. 66 % of cases were performed laparoscopically, an open approach was required for type V Mirizzi Syndrome. The complication rate was 25 %; most commonly a bile leak requiring ERCP.

Mirizzi syndrome is more common than previously expected and related to patient's ability to seek timely medical care. Most cases can be completed laparoscopically however there is a high rate of complications.

This study presents an additional cohort of patients found to have Mirizzi syndrome and supports the hypothesis that it is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Cases should be attempted laparoscopically but there remains a high complication rate.