[Studies on radiation exposure in retrograde sclerotherapy of the testicular vein].

PURPOSE: Prospective evaluation of different radiation exposure parameters in a large series of varicoceles. The dependency of the square area product on the different therapists was calculated in addition.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between 5/91 and 12/93 a total of 737 sclerotherapies were performed on 465 patients. The following parameters were measured prospectively: Square area product (n = 737), fluorotime (n = 737), symphysis surface doses (n = 24), gonadal doses (n = 49), catheterisation time (n = 737). 608 of the sclerotherapies were performed by 4 similar experienced radiologists (U1 - U4). The individual fluorotimes, square area products and the average square area product per minute fluorotime were calculated.

RESULTS

The average gonadal doses was 0.01 mSv. Calculation of the square area product per minute fluorotime revealed a useful parameter to demonstrate the potential for further dose reduction, because the results ranged from 566 mGy x cm2/min to 988 mGy x cm2/min. There is no need for a time limit for this interventional procedure.

CONCLUSION

The gonadal doses is so low that it can be considered negligible. However, in view of the considerable differences in the square area product per minute, close attention must be paid to the technique by which th fluorotime is determined.