Over the years, surgeons and health care workers have been faced with the challenge of surgeons battling radiation exposures in the operating room. While no exact statistics on fatalities from radiation exposure for surgeons are readily available, studies have shown an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly leukemia and thyroid cancer, among medical professionals with long-term radiation exposure.
What is Radiation Exposure?
Radiation exposure refers to the process by which an individual comes into contact with ionizing radiation energy that has the ability to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, creating charged particles or “ions.”
How Radiation Causes Cellular and Genetic Damage?
Ionizing radiation affects the human body by disrupting atoms and molecules at a fundamental level, which leads to cellular damage. This damage can occur in different forms, particularly when it targets vital cellular organelles, resulting in cell death. More critically, radiation can also damage the body’s genetic material, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) which happen through two primary mechanisms: direct and indirect effects.
In the case of direct effects, ionizing radiation interacts directly with DNA molecules, breaking apart the strands and causing irreparable damage. This kind of damage is immediate and localized to the DNA, disrupting its ability to function properly. On the other hand, indirect effects occur when radiation interacts with surrounding molecules, such as water, which makes up a large portion of the human body. These interactions create free radicals highly reactive molecules that can then damage DNA, even though the radiation itself didn’t directly contact the genetic material. Over time, these free radicals can accumulate and lead to significant DNA alterations.
Both forms of damage can have lasting effects, potentially leading to mutations, cancer, or other serious health issues. While the body has mechanisms to repair some of this damage, the risk remains significant, especially with repeated or prolonged exposure.
What are the Possible Cause of Radiation Exposure?
Radiation exposure for surgeons and medical staff can occur in a number of ways, mostly due to the imaging technologies used during medical procedures and these causes are as follows:
Fluoroscopy
One of the most common culprits is fluoroscopy, a form of real-time X-ray used in procedures like orthopedic surgeries, catheter insertions, and even some types of interventional radiology. Unlike a traditional X-ray, which provides still images, fluoroscopy creates continuous images, which are essential for guiding surgeons during surgery.
C-arm X-ray Machines:
In the operating room, C-arm X-ray machines are often used to get detailed images of bones and joints during surgery. Surgeons and surgical teams are frequently in the direct line of radiation from these machines. While C-arms are invaluable for certain procedures, they can contribute to significant radiation exposure if used frequently or for extended periods.
X-ray Guided Surgery:
Certain surgeries, particularly those related to the spine, heart, or blood vessels, require X-ray guidance. During these procedures, the surgeon uses X-ray images in real time to navigate instruments. Surgeons are exposed to radiation through the scattered rays, particularly if the procedure is lengthy.
How Surgeons are Battling Radiation Exposure?
Despite the risks, there are several strategies surgeons and healthcare institutions have adopted to protect themselves from the harmful effects of radiation.
Protective Gear: One of the most important lines of defense against radiation exposure is protective equipment which Surgeons and other medical personnel are to always wear:
- Lead aprons to shield vital organs from radiation.
- Lead gloves for hand protection during procedures.
- Thyroid shields to protect the neck and thyroid from scattered radiation.
- Lead glasses to protect the eyes, which are especially vulnerable to radiation.
These protective items help minimize direct exposure to radiation during imaging-heavy procedures
Shielding in the Operating Room:
Many operating rooms now incorporate radiation shields such as lead barriers, hermetic doors or mobile protective walls and floorings like the homogeneous PVC vinyl flooring that can be positioned between the surgeon and the radiation source. These shields block or deflect a significant portion of scattered radiation, allowing the surgeon to remain in the vicinity of the procedure while minimizing exposure.
Radiation Monitoring:
Surgeons and medical staff are often provided with radiation dosimeters, small devices that track the amount of radiation they are exposed to. This allows medical institutions to monitor exposure levels and ensure they remain within safe limits. If a surgeon is exposed to excessive radiation, they can make adjustments to their practices, such as wearing additional protective gear or adjusting the technique to reduce exposure.
Conclusion
Medical professionals are educated about radiation safety as part of their training. Surgeons are taught how to use imaging equipment efficiently and minimize unnecessary exposure, both for themselves and their patients. In addition, many hospitals and clinics have radiation safety officers who ensure that the latest protocols and safety measures are being followed.
Will we allow danger to continue silently lurking in the medical world, consuming the lives of those who have dedicated their careers to saving others? The answer is no. Hospitals that fail to provide the necessary facilities or equipment to protect healthcare workers are in violation of crucial regulations, including The Nigerian Radiation Protection Act (2001), the Occupational Health and Safety Act, The Code of Ethics for Medical and Dental Practitioners in Nigeria, as well as International Standards & Guidelines. In this fight, Rectavia Ltd emerges as the greatest solution, offering state-of-the-art medical equipment to ensure the safety and well-being.
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