Radiation Exposure From C-Arm Fluoroscopy Among Neurosurgeons During Common Surgical Procedures

Tehniat Khaliq, Iram Bokhari, Jahan Jarwar, Farrukh Javeed, Shafin Bin Amin, Ghulam Brohi

Abstract

Objective

To estimate the cumulative risk of radiation exposure in neurosurgeons using C-arm fluoroscopy during common neurosurgical procedures and its safe radiation use in the operating room.

Study design

Cross-sectional analytic study.  

Place & Duration of study

Department of Neurosurgery, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center Karachi, from March 2023 to August 2023.

Methods

The data regarding radiation exposure in 65 consecutive cases that involved various common spinal procedures were gathered. A badge dosimeter was positioned under the lead apron at the chest pocket to record radiation dose, ensuring shielded whole-body exposure. Subsequently, the corresponding mean and maximum values were calculated. An analysis was done to compare the data on fluoroscopy time, number of x-ray shots, and effective dose for each case.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 37.05±10.07 years with male to female ratio of 1.85:1. On average, patients undergoing laminectomy and discectomy at L3-L4-L5 and T12-L1 received 6.09±2.15 shots of x-rays, while those undergoing transpedicular screw fixation received 4.72±2.36 shots of x-rays. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion received 4.11±1.45 shots of x-rays and laminectomy plus excision received 6.25±2.75 shots. The difference observed was statistically significant (p= 0.05). However, the range of radiation (between 0.01 mSv to 0.09 mSv) was non-significant (p=0.212).

Conclusion

Radiation doses in the common neurosurgical procedures conducted were consistently low and fell within safe limits.

Key words

Radiation exposure, Neurosurgeons, C-arm fluoroscopy, Neurosurgical procedures, Laminectomy, Discectomy.