Clinician factors affecting exposure to radiation during video urodynamics.

Yasmin H1, Toia B1, Axell R1, Aleksejeva K1, Pakzad M1, Hamid R1, Ockrim J1, Greenwell T1

Research Type

Clinical

Abstract Category

Urodynamics

Best in Category Prize: Urodynamics
Abstract 2
Best Urology
Scientific Podium Session 1
Thursday 19th November 2020
18:15 - 18:30
Live Room 1
Urodynamics Techniques Imaging Incontinence Voiding Dysfunction
1. University College London Hospital
Presenter
Links

Abstract

Hypothesis / aims of study
Video urodynamics allow for correlation of lower urinary tract anatomy with physiology during the filling and voiding phases – and enable more precise delineation of site and cause of bladder outlet obstruction and/or incontinence as well as additional findings such as vesico-ureteric reflux at the expense of radiation exposure. We have assessed whether clinician related factors affect the total radiation exposure time (RET, an operator controlled component that affects total radiation dose) and the actual radiation dose (RD) during video urodynamics.
Study design, materials and methods
The radiation exposure time and radiation dose of all 986 consecutive patients having video urodynamics to investigate refractory lower urinary tract symptoms between 13/01/2018 and 31/01/2019 were retrospectively reviewed from our Radiology Information System database. 208 (31.2%) patients were excluded owing to: missing information fields, failure to complete video urodynamics due to patient or equipment factors and  owing to additional simultaneous tests that further exposed patients to radiation such as the retrograde leak point pressure test. 

Clinical Scientists and training Urologists used a standardised Female, Functional and Restorative (FFR) Urology protocol when performing the video urodynamics whilst the other groups did not. 

Total radiation exposure time and total radiation dose were determined and correlated with speciality and grade of clinician performing the test. Statistical analysis was by Kruskal-Wallis with pairwise multiple comparisons by Dunn’s test. Statistical significance was determined at P < 0.001.
Results
678 patients (413 female, 60.6%) fulfilled the above criteria and their results are listed in Figure 1. 

The rate of non diagnostic video urodynamics (reported as normal or with diagnosis at variance with patient symptoms) was similar in all groups and was 20% overall. 

There was no significant difference in patient’s age, presenting lower urinary tract symptoms and sex amongst the groups (with the exception of the gynaecologists).
Interpretation of results
There is wide variation in total radiation exposure time (median=38s, range=247s) and hence radiation dose (median=151cGy.cm², range=345cGy.cm²) during video urodynamics. Clinical Scientists and Urologists in training have significantly lower radiation exposure times and radiation doses whilst Consultants, in particular Radiology Consultants, have significantly longer exposure times for the same diagnostic yields. A further sub analysis of patients that underwent video urodynamics on the same fluoroscopy unit that were either on the radiology or gynaecology pathway  (i.e. non-FFR) revealed similar findings - with Consultant Radiologists and Gynaecologists delivering near double the radiation exposure times and over double the radiation dose compared to the Clinical Scientists.
Concluding message
Patients may benefit from adoption of the Female, Functional and Restorative Urology video urodynamics protocol to reduce total radiation exposure time and hence radiation dose.
Figure 1
Disclosures
Funding NA Clinical Trial No Subjects Human Ethics not Req'd Service audit Helsinki Yes Informed Consent Yes
27/11/2024 18:40:52