title: Analysis of radiation doses in the percutaneous treatment of varicocele in adolescents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Varicocele is a common clinical condition that affects 15% of the male population and is an important cause of male infertility. Fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous treatment with retrograde sclerosis is a good alternative to surgery. We report our experience in calculating the total radiation dose to patient and the associated risk.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our study was performed on 67 patients undergoing percutaneous treatment of varicocele with transbrachial approach and retrograde sclerosis. Thirteen dosimeters with two TLD detectors were positioned on the patients' skin. Calculation of the Entrance Surface Dose and application of appropriate transmission coefficients of the depth-dose allowed us to determine the Equivalent Doses for the single organs. Similar studies were conducted during plain abdominal x-ray and urography for comparative purposes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean effective dose during percutaneous treatment of varicocele was 18 mSv, whereas the dose for abdominal x-ray was 1.31 mSv and that for urography was 4.6 mSv.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Examinations involving the use of x-rays have been estimated to contribute to half of all the radiation absorbed by the population, and the number of both diagnostic examinations and interventional procedures is steadily rising. Radiation exposure, especially in children, requires special consideration. Percutaneous treatment of varicocele is a valuable alternative to surgery, not least because of reduced exposure. The use of specially-built lead coats and the creation of regional referral centres employing specialised staff are two possible measures that could further reduce radiation doses and dispel concerns about this procedure.
authors.affiliation: Struttura di Radiologia Vascolare ed Interventistica, Azienda Ospedaliera S. Camillo-Forlanini, Rome, Italy. stepieri@excite.it
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pieri
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Agresti
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morucci
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: De Medici
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fiocca
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Calisti
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Santini
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D015641:Radiography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*; D012597:Sclerosing Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014646:Varicocele / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D012597:Sclerosing Solutions