title: Factors influencing radiation exposure during the extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.
abstract: A prospective evaluation of 89 consecutive sessions of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was undertaken to try and find the best way of minimising the amount of exposure to radiation. Forty-two patients were randomly allocated to undergo ESWL treatment by experienced surgeons (group A), and 47 to undergo the treatment by inexperienced surgeons (group B). The mean calculated entrance radiation exposure was 3.01 rads (group A: 2.64 (0.97) rads, range 1.00-4.48, group B: 3.38 (0.86) rads, range 1.11-5.75). Among factors that influenced radiation exposure, the tissue: air ratio should be borne in mind and the level of skill in controlling movement of gantry was the most important in reducing the exposure to radiation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, National Yang-Ming Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Y H
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014514:Ureteral Calculi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*