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Intraoperative Ionizing Radiation Exposure Awareness and Associated Morbidity in Neurosurgery: A Nationwide Survey
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Intraoperative Ionizing Radiation Exposure Awareness and Associated Morbidity in Neurosurgery: A Nationwide Survey

Kyle McCloskey, Avi A. Gajjar, Mohamed M. Salem, Lou Susca, Georgios S. Sioutas, Visish M. Srinivasan, Brian T. Jankowitz and Jan Karl Burkhardt
World neurosurgery, v 188, pp e414-e418
Aug 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wneu.2024.05.127
PMID: 38810874
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel

Abstract

Cancer Intraoperative Neurointervention Radiation Neurosurgery
Neurosurgeons often use radiation to visualize blood vessels and implants intraoperatively. However, high exposure to radiation increases one's cancer risk. This study aims to investigate intraoperative ionizing radiation exposure awareness and associated morbidity among neurosurgeons. An anonymized 30-question survey about their intraoperative radiation exposure, protective measures, radiation knowledge, and any conditions that can arise from protracted radiation exposure was disseminated to 3344 American Association of Neurological Surgeons members. A total of 227 (6.8%) neurosurgeons completed the survey. Most neurosurgeons (61, 27%) performed 2–4 surgeries per week necessitating radiation (61, 27%), did not use a dosimeter (134, 59%), and wore a lead apron (89%) and a thyroid shield (75%). Only 7 (3%) of respondents could correctly identify the safety limit for occupational radiation. One hundred and thirty-four (59%) respondents correctly identified the relationship between distance and radiation dose reduction. Two hundred and thirteen (94%) neurosurgeons reported concern about occupational radiation exposure. No significant association was found between occupational radiation exposure and the rate of cataracts, combined cancer, and skin cancer. Multivariate logistic regression adjusting for age and cancer history found that the likelihood of developing leukemia (P = 0.02) and nonmalignant thyroid nodular disease (P = 0.01) is positively associated with increased total occupational radiation exposure. There is a need for improved radiation safety awareness among neurosurgeons, especially in the context of rising usage of minimally invasive surgery. This can allow for a greater understanding of radiation-associated risks among neurosurgeons and guide the implementation of safer practices.

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Clinical Neurology
Surgery
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