A pilot single-center prospective randomized trial to assess the short-term effect of a flashing warning light on reducing fluoroscopy time and radiation exposure during ERCP.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: ERCP has the risk of exposure to ionizing radiation. Performers may unconsciously increase fluoroscopy time (FT) because of a lack of radiation protection awareness. This study investigates whether a flashing warning light adopted as a behavioral intervention for performers reduces FT and radiation exposure during ERCP.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective randomized trial of 200 therapeutic ERCPs. A flashing warning light was placed on top of the endoscopy monitor. Cases were consecutively enrolled and randomly assigned to 2 groups in a 1:1 ratio. In the warning light group, the light was on when the fluoroscopy foot pedal was depressed; in the control group, the light was off. Fluoroscopy and procedure-related data were recorded.

RESULTS

The median FT and dose-area product (DAP) for the warning light group versus the control group were 142.5 seconds versus 175.0 seconds (P = .045) and 856.8 μGy∙m2 versus 1054.4 μGy∙m2 (P = .043). In a multivariable analysis, the use of the warning light was found to reduce FT by 15.4% (-27.0 seconds; P = .042). DAP reduction because of the decreased FT was 15.2% (160.3 μGy∙m2). The reduction in patient effective dose per case was .42 mSv, equivalent to 21 chest radiographs. No adverse events or interference with the procedures because of the warning light were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a flashing warning light is a feasible way to reduce FT and radiation exposure during ERCP. (Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR-IPR-14005349.).