Radiographer Delivered Fluoroscopy Reduces Radiation Exposure During Endoscopic Urological Procedures

INTRODUCTION The 1999 Ionising Radiation Regulations recommend that medical professionals using ionising radiation should aim to keep exposure as 'low as reasonably practicable'. Urologists regularly use fluoroscopy during endoscopic surgical procedures. In some institutions, this is delivered by a radiographer whereas in others, it is delivered by the urological surgeon. OBJECTIVES To determine if radiographer-delivered fluoroscopy can reduce the exposure to ionising radiation during urological procedures. METHODS An analysis of 395 consecutive patients, who underwent endoscopic urological procedures requiring fluoroscopy, was performed simultaneously across two institutions, over a 4 month period. 321 patients were matched and included in the analysis. RESULTS Radiographer delivered fluoroscopy was associated with reduced ionising radiation exposure for retrograde pyelography procedures ED 0.09626 vs. 1.323 mSev, p= 0.0003, and endoscopic stone surgeries ED 0.3066 Vs. 0.5416 mSev, p=0.0039, but not for ureterorenoscopic stone surgeries 0.4880 vs. 0.2213 mSev, p=0.8292. CONCLUSION Radiographer delivered fluoroscopy could reduce the patient's exposure to ionising radiation for some urological procedures.