Patient and endoscopist radiation doses during ERCP procedures.

The aim of the study was to calculate radiation doses for patients and staff during interventional Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures. Patient age (A), kerma-area product (KAP), fluoroscopy time (T) and total number of films (F) were collected for 157 interventional ERCP procedures. One endoscopist (>10 y of experience) monitored using a thermoluminescent dosemeter worn over the lead apron performed the ERCPs. Median (range) KAP was 3.1 Gy cm(-2) (0.1-106.7 Gy cm(-2)). Median (range) A, T and F were 72 y, 2.6 (0.2-26.0) min and 2 (1-4) images, respectively. No correlation was observed between KAP and A, T or F. Monthly endoscopist dose was negligible due to the use of lead apron, collar and two lead-articulated ceiling mounted shields. The endoscopist dose is minimal when using appropriate protective measures. Patient doses showed large variation that has to be further investigated.