Radiation dose to the surgeon during plaque brachytherapy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Uveal melanomas are intraocular tumors requiring precise treatment.
• Eye plaque brachytherapy is a common treatment modality for uveal melanomas.
• Understanding radiation exposure to healthcare professionals is crucial for safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the radiation dose absorbed by a surgeon's hands during eye plaque procedures.
• To assess the occupational radiation risk for surgeons performing these interventions.

Main Methods:

• Thermoluminescent dosimeters were used to measure hand radiation doses on the surgeon's index finger and thumb.
• Measurements were taken during the placement and removal of iodine-125 (I-125) eye plaques in 16 patients.
• Laboratory experiments determined unobstructed radiation exposure from the plaques.

Main Results:

• The radiation doses to the surgeon's hands were found to be very low but measurable.
• The average activity of the I-125 plaques used was 1.3 GBq.
• Unobstructed measurements confirmed the low dose levels.

Conclusions:

• Surgeons performing I-125 eye plaque brachytherapy receive minimal hand radiation exposure.
• Exceeding annual regulatory dose limits for extremities would require performing over 1,000 procedures annually.
• Current surgical practices for eye plaque brachytherapy appear safe regarding hand radiation exposure.