Exposure to radiation dose during scleroembolisation of spermatic veins

Abstract

We have calculated the total time of exposure to radiation on 25 patients undergoing scleroembolisation of spermatic veins. The aim of our study is to find the exact step in this procedure where we can act in order to shorten the total time of exposure. The procedure has been divided into 4 steps: V.R.: time for selective catheterisation of renal vein; V.S.: time for superselective catheterisation of the spermatic vein; T.S.: time for scleroembolisation; T.E.: total time of exposure. In our study the average time was 55’.2”, 53’.6” and 1’.24” for the V.R., V.S., and T.S., respectively The average time for the entire procedure was 3’.17”. As the effects of X-rays on spermatogenesis are well-known, we believe it is necessary to shorten as much as possible the total time of exposure to radiation.