Radiation protection during percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a new urologic surgery radiation shield.
OBJECTIVE
As endourology becomes an important part of the practice of urology, the use of fluoroscopic guidance has increased the exposure of urologists to the possibly deleterious effects of radiation. There is a need for a method of radiation protection for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), as the exposure from radiation scatter may be significant, depending on the difficulty of establishing access.


METHODS
We ascertained the effectiveness of a newly modified radiation shield during PCNL. Exposure readings were taken using a thermoluminescent dose monitor placed different distances from the radiation source during six PCNLs. We compared the exposure readings with and without the shield.


RESULTS
The shield was able to reduce the radiation by an average of 96.1% at a distance of 25 cm and 71.2% at a distance of 50 cm from the source.


CONCLUSIONS
The shield can be used as one step toward the goal of reducing surgeon radiation exposure. Other methods, such as dose-minimizing imaging protocols and adaptation of equipment optimized to reduce exposure, are also important measures in creating a safe environment for both the urologist and the patient.
Yang
Ronald M
RM
Department of Urology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90027, USA.
Morgan
Thomas
T
Bellman
Gary C
GC
D000328:Adult; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009403:Nephrostomy, Percutaneous / Q000379:methods*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D013819:Thermoluminescent Dosimetry