The "law of painless jaundice," also known as Courvoisier's law or Courvoisier's sign, describes a clinical finding where a patient experiences painless jaundice and has an enlarged gallbladder. This finding is typically associated with obstruction of the common bile duct, often caused by something other than gallstones, such as cancer or a stricture.
Here's why it's considered a "law":
- Gallstones usually cause inflammation and pain in the gallbladder.
- Obstruction of the common bile duct by a tumor or stricture typically occurs gradually, allowing the gallbladder to distend without causing pain.
However, it's important to note that Courvoisier's law is not absolute. Some patients with gallstones can also present with painless jaundice and an enlarged gallbladder.
Therefore, it's crucial to remember that Courvoisier's law is a guideline, not a definitive rule.
