Should surgeons control fluoroscopy during urology procedures?

Our study explored the impact of switching from surgeon- to radiation technologist (RT)-controlled fluoroscopy on fluoroscopy and operative times. We also identified factors impacting fluoroscopy and operative times for ureteroscopy (URS) with laser lithotripsy.

Patients undergoing urological procedures requiring fluoroscopy six months before and after the change from surgeon- to RT-controlled fluoroscopy were identified. Median fluoroscopy and operative times were compared between cohorts. Subgroup analyses were performed based on procedure performed. A multivariate analysis identified factors associated with increased fluoroscopy and operative times for URS with laser lithotripsy.

Overall, no difference was found between surgeon and RT cohorts for fluoroscopy (58.0 vs. 56.7 seconds; p=0.34) or operative times (39 vs. 36 minutes; p=0.14). For URS with laser lithotripsy, fluoroscopy and operative times were longer in the surgeon-controlled cohort (76.0 vs. 54.0 seconds; p<0.01 and 48 vs. 40 minutes; p<0.01, respectively). For URS only, fluoroscopy time was decreased in the surgeon-controlled cohort (47.0 vs. 73.0 seconds; p=0.01). For URS with laser lithotripsy, factors independently associated with increased fluoroscopy time were male sex, flexible URS, glidewire use, and difficult ureteric stent insertion (p<0.05). Flexible ureteroscopy, glidewire use, previous ureteric stent placement, and difficult ureteric stent insertion were independently associated with increased operative time (p<0.05).

Fluoroscopy and operative times are not significantly influenced by who controls fluoroscopy during urologic procedures. Patients undergoing URS with laser lithotripsy have decreased fluoroscopy and operative times with RT-controlled fluoroscopy. Patients undergoing URS only have decreased fluoroscopy times with surgeon-controlled fluoroscopy.