Aims and objectives
In its publication 117 released in 2010,
the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) expressed concern about the fact that the use of fluoroscopy outside the imaging departments has increased significantly and expanded to the larger clinical areas.
There has been general neglect and a lack of training,
knowledge and awareness regarding radiation protection among of those working with fluoroscopy outside the imaging departments.
[1]
Gastroenterology is one of the specialties which use fluoroscopy to aid endoscopic procedures,
such as ERCP [1].
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography...
Methods and materials
The study was conducted in Finland in the year of 2012.
A sample of 10 Finnish hospitals,
in which the ERCP procedures are performed,
were purposively selected,
and included five university hospitals and five central hospitals.
A research permit was applied in accordance with guidelines set forth by the institutional board of each hospital.
The data (n=10) were collected by using a structured questionnaire developed for the study.
The questionnaire was sent by mail to the hospitals.
Questions (29 in total) were about respondent information,...
Results
A response rate of 100% was achieved in this study.
Most of the respondents were female (90%,
n=9) and 60% (n=6) of all persons were under 50-years.
The respondents̕ positions in hospital were radiographer (70%,
n=7) or registered nurse (30%,
n=3).
Half of the respondents (n=5) had over 10 years of experience on ERCP.
The ERCP procedures were carried out in Finnish hospitals both in X-ray departments (n=6) and endoscopy units (n=4).
An annual ERCP case volume varies according to the size of the each...
Conclusion
The results of this survey demonstrate that the use of radiation in the context of endoscopy has its own specific maneuvers.
In conclusion,
a good radiation protection practice in ERCP requires optimization and recognition of a safety culture in the workplace.
The essential principle for the use of fluoroscopy in endoscopy suite is concept of ALARA,
which stands for “as low as reasonably achievable” [18].
There is a possibility to minimize the exposure to patients and staff during ERCP by using the dose reduction techniques...
Personal information
Saukko Ekaterina,
MSc;
Radiological Department of U-Hospital
The Medical Imaging Centre of Southwest Finland
Turku University Hospital
Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8
PO Box 52
20521 Turku,Finland
[email protected]
Henner Anja,
PhD;
Oulu University of Applied Sciences
School of Health and Social Care
Kiviharjuntie 8
90220 Oulu, Finland
[email protected]
Ahonen Sanna-Mari,
PhD;
University of Oulu
Institute of Health Sciences
PO Box 5000
90014 Oulu, Finland
[email protected]
References
[1] ICRP 2010.
Radiological Protection in Fluoroscopically Guided Procedures Performed Outside the Imaging Department.
ICRP Publication 117.
Ann.
ICRP 40(6).
[2] Carr-Locke DL.
Overview of the role of ERCP in the management of diseases of the biliary tract and the pancreas.
Gastrointest Endosc 2002;56:S157-60.
[3] Boix J,
Lorenzo-Zúniga V.
Radiation dose to patients during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
World J Gastroint Endosc 2011;3:140-4.
[4] NCRP,
2000.
Radiation Protection for Procedures Performed Outside the Radiology Department.
NCRP Report 133.
The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements,...