Does intermittent flash fluoroscopy during endourological procedures reduce radiation exposure?
Christopher Leiberman, Leenesh Mokool, Sarath Krishna NalagatlaObjective:
This study compared radiation exposure and fluoroscopy time between intermittent flash fluoroscopy and continuous screening during endourological procedures. The principle of As Low As Reasonably Achievable was employed to minimise radiation doses.
Methods:
A quasi-experimental before-after study was conducted on rigid and flexible ureteroscopies, collecting data on cumulative dose, fluoroscopy time, dose–area product, and effective dose (ED) of radiation. Retrospective data from continuous-screening cases were also analysed.
Results:
The intermittent screening cohort showed a reduction in fluoroscopy time of 66.4% and a reduction in effective radiation dose of 68.4% when compared to continuous fluoroscopy. The average radiation dose per flash was low at 0.31 mGy, and no intraoperative complications were observed.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that intermittent flash fluoroscopy is a safe approach that significantly reduces radiation exposure during endourological procedures.
Level of evidence:
3