We report a case of duodenal obstruction caused by a large gallstone wedged in the duodenal bulb (Bouveret's syndrome), presenting with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding and successfully treated by surgery following a failed attempt at endoscopic retrieval of the stone. Haemorrhage is a very rare form of presentation. After an extensive review of the literature, the therapeutic options and surgical strategies (one-stage and two-stage procedure) are critically discussed.