ERCP is associated with radiation exposure to the endoscopist and staff, which may be significant at high volume programs despite the use of lead aprons. We hypothesize that draping of the fluoroscopy image intensifier may significantly reduce staff radiation exposure and help achieve implementation of the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle.
A total of 100 consecutive ERCP procedures were randomly assigned to the radiation-attenuating or sham drape in a 1:1 ratio. There were 2 subjects, the endoscopists performing ERCP and the nurse assisting in the procedure.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
2
Endoscopy Center, Smilow Cancer Center, Yale New Haven Hospital
New Have, Connecticut, United States
Amount of radiation exposure
Comparing the use of a lead-free protective drape containing bismuth and antimony and a sterile sham protective drape, radiation dose (RD) was measured at 3 different sites (endoscopist's eye (1) and thyroid (2), and assisting nurse's thyroid (3)) with personal dosimeters placed outside of eyeglass frames and the thyroid shield. The unit of measurement is each event. The subject was subjected to radiation during 100 Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures.Both groups used standard of care lead protection.
Time frame: Length of Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, average 5 minutes
Estimate cumulative annual radiation risk
Comparing the use of a lead-free protective drape containing bismuth and antimony and a sterile sham protective drape, radiation dose (RD) was measured at 3 different sites (endoscopist's eye (1) and thyroid (2), and assisting nurse's thyroid (3)) with personal dosimeters placed outside of eyeglass frames and the thyroid shield. The unit of measurement is each event. The subject was subjected to radiation during 100 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures. The cumulative estimated annual absorbed radiation dose was estimated from the data collected during the study time frame.
Time frame: Length of Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, average 5 minutes
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