Radiation Dose of Pediatric Patients During Ureteroscopy

Summary

Participation Requirements

Description

Routine endourologic procedures will be performed at the Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh by one of the investigators listed on this study. Fluoroscopic radiation exposure during these procedures is used to guide the surgical devices that are used to treat the stones. The investigators will be measu...

Routine endourologic procedures will be performed at the Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh by one of the investigators listed on this study. Fluoroscopic radiation exposure during these procedures is used to guide the surgical devices that are used to treat the stones. The investigators will be measuring the radiation effective skin dose by two methods. First, the investigators will place two "Microdot" thermal leak detectors (TLD) on the patient. These devices which are the size and thickness of a dime will be within plastic bags taped to the patients body within the central focus of the fluoroscopy image. At the completion of the procedure the TLD's will be transferred to the Radiation Safety Office in Oakland to be read and the dose recorded. Second, a flat chamber that is integral with all fluoroscopy machines used at Children's Hospital will measure the dose-area product (DAP) for each case which will allow us to calculate the effective dose. This device is a component of the colimeter on the arm of the x-ray machine used for fluoroscopy. It measures the radiation that is returned to the x-ray machine and calculates the dose delivered to the patient by comparing the amount delivered to the patient to the amount returned to the machine. Its use is automatic when any x-rays are delivered and does not involve any manipulation of the patient or alteration of normal procedure. No additional procedures or change in duration is necessary for this study

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