Background:
Chronic exposure to occupational ionising radiation is seen as one reason
for elevated cancer prevalence.
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Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate radiation exposure of anaesthetists
by real-time dosimetry.
Methods:
Data of 296 patients were analyzed. Ten types of trauma operation procedures including
osteosynthesis of upper and lower extremity fractures and minimally invasive stabilisation of traumatic
and osteoporotic vertebral fractures were accomplished. Evaluation was performed by an occupational
dosimetry system, which visualises anaesthetists radiation exposure feedback compared
to surgeons in real-time.
Results:
A significantly lower radiation exposure to anaesthetists compared to surgeons was observed
in four types of operative procedures: Plate fixation of proximal humerus fractures, osteosynthesis
of proximal femoral fractures, stabilisation of traumatic and osteoporotic vertebral fractures.
In four types of operations (plate osteosynthesis of proximal humeral, distal radial and tibial
fractures and intramedullary nailing of the clavicle), anaesthetists` amount of radiation exceeded
one-third of the surgeons' exposure, especially if the C-arm tube was positioned close to the anaesthetists
work station at the patients' head.
Conclusion:
By using the occupational radiation dose monitoring system, radiation exposure to
anaesthetists was visualised in real-time during trauma operations. Radiation exposure of anaesthetists
depends on the type of operation and the position of the C-arm. The system may help to increase
anaesthetists` awareness concerning radiation exposure and to enhance compliance in using
radiation protection techniques.
