Causes
Gallstones occur when the balance of chemicals within the bile is disturbed. It is usually caused by altered cholesterol, calcium, and bilirubin concentrations in the bile. Bilirubin comes from the breakdown of red blood cells in the liver, while cholesterol results from the metabolism of fat. The actual cause of gallstones is yet to be determined scientifically, although there are theories that attempt to explain it.
- In the event that the liver produces more cholesterol than can be dissolved in the bile, excess cholesterol precipitates and forms gallstones, which are yellow in appearance. Normally, cholesterol imbalance is responsible for about 4 in 5 cases of gallstones.
- Due to liver disease or blood-related disease, the liver may churn out more bilirubin than is normal. This bilirubin gets into the gallbladder, which cannot sufficiently break down the excess. They precipitate to form dark-brown looking gallstones.
- Whenever the bile in the gallbladder stays for too long without emptying, the risk of gallstones forming is increased. This is due to the continuous concentration of the bile with concurrent removal of water in the process. [3]