[Studies on radiation exposure of personnel in endoscopy]

Some endoscopic investigations and treatments require the use of x-ray equipment. There is no specific x-ray device for endoscopic procedures. Standard x-ray apparatus is used, which is designed to give optimal protection against radiation at the standard location of the radiologist. However during special endoscopic examinations nurses and doctors are located at parts of the x-ray apparatus which are not specially protected from x-rays. For this reason measurements were performed during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) and schlerotherapy at those positions, where nurses and doctors are standing or sitting during these procedures. The measurements show that at the position of the radiologist there is practically no radiation detectible. However the hands, legs and the face (eye lenses) of the assisting nurse receive relatively high radiation. The values amount to 30% of the allowed maximum. By relatively simple appliances like lead lining around the lower bottom part of the x-ray apparatus or a lead apron lowered from the ceiling between head and body of the patient the radiation load can be significantly lowered to 1% of the maximal allowed radiation. With such simple additional protection frequencies and duration of x-ray related endoscopic investigations can be extended without danger for the staff.