Occupational noise exposure during endourologic procedures.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Occupational Health
• Audiology

Background:

• Workplace noise exposure is a known cause of hearing loss.
• Limited research exists on noise exposure from endourologic procedures for patients and staff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure noise levels during various endourologic procedures.
• To compare these noise levels with occupational safety guidelines.

Main Methods:

• Digital sound meters were used to record decibel levels during shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and ureteroscopy.
• Measurements were taken at different locations, including the control room, patient's head, and surgeon's head.
• Noise levels were compared against U.S. and Canadian occupational health recommendations.

Main Results:

• Operating room background noise was 58-60 dB.
• SWL generated noise levels of 68 dB (control room) and 77 dB (patient's head).
• Intracorporeal lithotripters produced higher noise: CyberWand (93 dB), Olympus LUS-2 (65 dB), and holmium laser (60 dB).

Conclusions:

• Patients and urologists may be exposed to significant noise during endourologic procedures.
• The short duration of exposure suggests a minimal risk of hearing loss based on current occupational guidelines.
• Most operating personnel are likely at minimal risk from noise exposure during these procedures.