Real-Time Dosimetry in Endourology: Tracking Staff Radiation Risks

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Occupational Health
• Urology

Background:

• Endourology procedures often involve fluoroscopic guidance, raising concerns about staff exposure to scatter radiation (SCR).
• Assessing occupational SCR exposure is crucial for understanding and mitigating potential health risks for operating theatre personnel.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and quantify scatter radiation (SCR) exposure among various staff professional groups within the endourology operating theatre.
• To analyze the correlation between SCR doses and procedural/patient factors.

Main Methods:

• Real-time dosimeters (Philips DoseAware System) were used to measure SCR exposure on the head and chest of five professional groups.
• Data were collected from July 2023 to February 2024 during surgeries under fluoroscopic guidance.
• SCR data were analyzed and correlated with dose-area product (DAP) and other relevant factors.

Main Results:

• A total of 249 procedures were analyzed, including retrograde intrarenal surgeries and percutaneous nephrolithotomies.
• Urological surgeons (US) and surgical nurses (SN) exhibited the highest median SCR exposures on their chests and heads.
• Significant correlations were found between DAP and SCR doses for multiple staff positions (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• This study provides novel insights into occupational SCR exposure in endourology using real-time dosimetry.
• Substantial SCR exposure levels were identified, highlighting a significant occupational health hazard for endourology staff.
• Further research is warranted to develop effective strategies for minimizing radiation exposure and ensuring staff safety.