(koor-vwa′zyā′)

Swiss surgeon, 1843-1918.

Courvoisier law

Disease processes associated with prior inflammation of the gallbladder, e.g., gallstones, produce scarring, which prevents enlargement of the gland. When the common bile duct is obstructed by cancer, the gallbladder becomes palpably dilated.

Courvoisier sign

Painless enlargement of the gallbladder in a jaundiced patient. The sign suggests a cancer obstructing the biliary tree.