ALARA in Urology: Steps to Minimise Radiation Exposure During All Parts of the Endourological Journey

This article provides an overview of the topic including background to the risks and steps that can be taken during all s tages of endourological management.Recent FindingsOur review suggests that ionising radiation is an invaluable tool in delineating the anatomy, localising disease, guiding manoeuvres and monitoring treatment in patients with KSD. It therefore plays an integral role in many stages of patient care; preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively.The reduction of radiation pre- and post-surgical intervention relies on the use of low-radiation CT scan and ultrasound scan. It can also be achieved through various intraoperative techniques or fluoroless techniques in selected patients/procedures, customised to the patients and procedural complexity.SummaryThere are many parts of the patient journey where exposure to radiation can take place. Urologists must be diligent to minimise and mitigate this wherever possible as they too face exposure risks. Implementation of strategies such as teaching programmes, fluoroscopy checklists and judicious use of CT imaging among other things is a step towards improving practice in this area.
Source: Current Urology Reports - Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research