Radiation exposure to the patient and the urologist
Patients with ureteral stones are at significant risk for radiation from both diagnostic imaging and fluoroscopy used in the operating room at the time of surgery. Surgeons and operating room staff are also at risk for exposure from fluoroscopy. Non-contrast computed tomography exposes patients to the greatest amount of radiation from diagnostic imaging. In non-obese patients with flank pain, low dose non-contrast computed tomography should be performed for the diagnosis of ureteral stones to reduce radiation exposure. In the operating room, fluoroscopy can expose patients to as much or greater amounts of radiation than diagnostic imaging. Obesity can lead to increased radiation exposure from both diagnostic imaging and fluoroscopy. To reduce radiation exposure in the operating room, the principles of As Low As Reasonably Achievable should be followed. Increased awareness of radiation doses to both the patients and staff can help physicians reduce overall radiation exposure.
