Evaluation of occupational dose in urological surgical procedures

To know the occupational doses in urological procedures with the use of fluoroscopy is important to optimize the radioprotection mechanisms of the staff. In order to estimate the occupational exposure in these procedures, a set of dose rate measures was collected reproducing the conditions performed in urology procedures using a C-arm equipment. Patients with thicknesses of 20 and 28 cm were simulated using acrylic plates. Dose rates were measured with RaySafe i2 Unfors dosimeters distributed in a 50 x 50 cm mesh, covering an area of 20.25 m². The measurements with the dosimeters were made at three different heights of the floor: 95 cm, 125 cm and 165 cm corresponding, respectively, to the gonadal, thoracic and crystalline regions of a typical adult worker. The doses to which the professionals of this surgical team are submitted can reach values above the thresholds established in the current legislation. For the lens, a urologist doctor can reach values of 32,3 mSv/year and for the chest 77,6 mSv/year. The results obtained can be used to validate Monte Carlo simulations, allow to know the professional exposure levels and to estimate annual doses that can be achieved, as well as structure data for training in radiation protection to surgical staff. (author)