Etiology of Gallstones

Gallstones are a common disorder of the biliary system. Based on their composition, gallstones are classified as cholesterol stones, pigment stones, and mixed stones.

Clinically, cholesterol stones—or mixed stones predominantly composed of cholesterol—account for the vast majority of cases. Gallstone formation is multifactorial; any factor altering the ratio of cholesterol to bile acids may predispose to gallstone development.

Currently, clinical consensus attributes gallstone formation to several factors, including prolonged parenteral nutrition, high-fat diet, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, female hormonal influences (e.g., estrogen), obesity, pregnancy, cirrhosis, post-gastrectomy or gastroenteric bypass surgery, and hemolytic anemia.