Related Experiment Videos
Radiation exposure during ERCP: effect of a protective shield
M Y Chen1, F L Van Swearingen, R Mitchell
1Department of Radiology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1088, USA.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Radiation exposure during ERCP procedures significantly decreases for endoscopists when using a protective lead shield. This shield is crucial for minimizing radiation dose to medical personnel during fluoroscopy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging and Radiation Safety
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) involves fluoroscopy, posing radiation risks to staff.
- Quantifying radiation exposure is essential for implementing effective safety measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure radiation exposure to endoscopists, patients, and assistants during ERCP.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a protective lead shield in reducing radiation dose.
Main Methods:
- Twenty patients undergoing ERCP were studied.
- Digital dosimeters monitored endoscopist radiation exposure with and without a lead shield.
- Radiation doses for diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP were compared.
Main Results:
- Lead shield use reduced endoscopist exposure from 2.5 mR to 0.27 mR per procedure.
- Diagnostic ERCP without shield: 1.5 mR; with shield: 0.25 mR.
- Therapeutic ERCP without shield: 3.17 mR; with shield: 0.28 mR.
- Unshielded assistants averaged 0.56 mR per procedure.
Conclusions:
- Radiation exposure during ERCP is influenced by fluoroscopy duration and procedure type.
- A protective lead shield substantially lowers radiation exposure for endoscopists.
- Staff radiation dose is position-dependent, with assistants receiving less exposure.