Fluoroscopy in Operating Theatres

      Fluoroscopically guided interventional procedures in the operating theatres are increasing in developing countries. As fluoroscopy makes interventions less invasive, there is less patient morbidity and mortality. For some high risk patients, interventional procedures may be the only alternative as routine surgery may carry increased risk for the patient.

      Fluoroscopy is now being used by medical personnel spanning a wide range of clinical specialities. Orthopaedic surgeons use fluoroscopy to perform procedures such as joint replacement, vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, implant localization and other procedures that correct structural deformities of the skeleton.Percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL), stone extraction, nephrostomy and other relevant procedures are performed under fluoroscopic guidance by urologists in operating theatres. Vascular surgeons and anaesthesiologists also use fluoroscopy in operating theatres.

      This expanding use of  fluoroscopy machine outside radiology departments, to other areas where proper training may be lacking raises radiation protection concerns. Since radiation doses associated with fluoroscopically guided interventions could be high enough to cause skin injuries, besides increased probability of developing cancer in future years, the participating staff should be particularly informed about the means of radiation protection.