Evaluation of radiation dose to patients during abdominal embolizations.
BACKGROUND
Abdominal embolization procedures performed using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is on the increase in the present-day scenario owing to their diagnostic and therapeutic values. These procedures involve prolonged fluoroscopy times and may tend to impart high radiation dose to patients if adequate radiation safety measures are not taken.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate radiation dose imparted to patients and the work practices involved therein during abdominal embolization procedures.


METHODS
Forty-two patients who underwent abdominal embolizations performed using DSA equipment were included in the study. Dose area product (DAP) was measured using DAP meter and values obtained were used for calculating entrance surface dose (ESD). Work practices of personnel involved in conducting the procedure were evaluated based on the choice of field sizes, selection of appropriate fluoro-modes, and optimization techniques.


CONCLUSIONS
The mean ESD values during hepatic embolization, renal embolization, splenic artery embolization and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) were 1.2, 1.01, 1.19, and 1.03, respectively. No deterministic effects of radiation, such as transient or main erythema, were noticed for a few patients whose doses exceeded the threshold doses.
Livingstone
Roshan S
RS
Department of Radiodiagnosis, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632004, India. roshanlivingstone@yahoo.com
Mammen
Thomas
T
D000005:Abdomen; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D016461:Chemoembolization, Therapeutic; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D012867:Skin / Q000528:radiation effects*