[Radiation exposure of the surgeon in percutaneous nephrolithopaxy ]

Radiation exposure to the surgeon was determined during 50 percutaneous renal stone removals. Above-table X-ray equipment with the X-ray tube in a vertical position was used. The beam was always collimated to 15 cm X 15 cm. A vertical lead screen between surgeon and X-ray tube offered protection against scatter radiation. Radiation exposure to the left hand ranged from 0.1 mSv to 4.7 mSv (average: 0.92 mSv); to the right hand from 0.1 mSv to 1 mSv for one operation (average: 0.26 mSv). Chest dose (under and outside the lead apron) was in 50 cases lower than 0.01 mSv. Radiation exposure at collar level was in 45 cases lower than 0.01 mSv and averaged 0.08 mSv in 5 cases (range: 0.05 to 0.13 mSv).