Characterization of Gallbladder Stones From Cholelithiasis Patients of Northern Greece, Using Complementary Techniques

ABSTRACT

The present study aims to characterize gallbladder stones surgically removed from patients dwelling in northern Greece. Combined techniques were employed, such as environmental scanning electron microscopy coupled with an energy dispersive system, μ Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and cathodoluminescence for the determination of morphological, microstructural, and compositional (chemical and mineralogical) characteristics. Four characteristic gallstones were determined: a black pigment, consisting of aragonite and bilirubin; a mixed stone, composed of calcite, oxalates, and phosphates; a cholesterol-rich stone; and a large stone, consisting of uric acid. The importance of using such mineralogical complementary techniques is emphasized in this work. It should be noted that this is the first published analytical characterization of gallbladder stones from northern Greece.

KEYWORDS:

• cathodoluminescence
• ESEM-EDS
• gallbladder stones
• Greece
• Raman
• XRD