Multicentre prospective observational study protocol for radiation exposure from gastrointestinal fluoroscopic...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology
• Gastroenterology and Endoscopy

Background:

• Minimally invasive endoscopic procedures under X-ray fluoroscopic guidance are increasing.
• Concerns exist regarding high radiation exposure (RE) from these medical imaging interventions.
• Limited data and lack of established reference levels for RE in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively collect actual radiation exposure (RE) data from various gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures.
• To establish diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for image-guided gastrointestinal endoscopic interventions in Japan.

Main Methods:

• Multicenter, prospective observational study.
• Data collection on total fluoroscopy time, dose-area product, and air-kerma for procedures including ERCP, interventional EUS, and enteral stenting.
• Nationwide data collection to identify influential factors on radiation exposure.

Main Results:

• This section is to be filled once the study results are available.
• The study is designed to provide guidance on DRLs based on collected RE data.
• Identification of factors influencing radiation exposure will be a key outcome.

Conclusions:

• Establishing DRLs is crucial for optimizing radiation safety in gastrointestinal endoscopy.
• This study will provide essential data to inform radiation protection strategies.
• Findings will support the safe and effective use of image-guided endoscopic interventions.