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 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.