In plain language
In a cadaver model of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), a lead apron, low pulse rates and low-dose fluoroscopy each sharply reduced estimated uterine dose to the urologist, suggesting pregnant surgeons could keep operating under the 1 mSv fetal limit; this measures dose, not health outcomes.
At a glance
- Type of study
- Original research, Phantom or simulation study
- Who was studied
- Urologists, Phantom or simulation (no people)
- Topics
- Pregnancy and reproductive healthWomen in the fieldPersonal protective equipmentDose reduction techniquesDosimetry and monitoring
- Summary based on
- the abstract
What it found
A 0.35-mm lead apron cut uterine dose by 94%; thicker aprons reduced dose further.
Key figures: 94% (P < .001); 0.50 mm further 12%, 0.70 mm further 47%
Reducing pulse rate from 30 to 1 pps reduced uterine dose by 96%.
Key figures: 96% (P < .001)
Low-dose fluoroscopy setting reduced uterine dose by 56%.
Key figures: 56% (P < .001)
At conventional settings, the 1 mSv fetal limit would be reached after 12 PCNLs without lead or 189 with a 0.35-mm apron.
Key figures: 12 PCNLs without lead; 189 PCNLs with 0.35-mm apron
Combining shielding with 1 pps and low-dose fluoroscopy allowed over 6000 cases below 1 mSv uterine exposure.
Key figures: >6000 cases
Limits to keep in mind
Cadaver simulation with two cadavers and an ion chamber rather than real pregnant surgeons; case estimates assume 5 minutes of fluoroscopy per PCNL and single geometry.
Related research summaries
- Occupational Protection in Interventional Radiology. A Joint Guideline of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe and the Society of Interventional Radiology (2026, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Radiation Exposure, Training, and Safety in Cardiology (2024, Narrative review)
- Radiation safety program for the cardiac catheterization laboratory (2011, Guideline or consensus statement)
- Body Surface Radiation Exposure in Interventional Echocardiographers During Structural Heart Disease Procedures (2023, Dosimetry measurement study)
- Radiation exposure to equine surgeons during simulated digital radiography and fluoroscopy-guided fracture fixation of the distal limb (2026, Phantom or simulation study)
How this summary was made
ORSIF prepared this summary with AI assistance from the abstract of the paper. A program then checked that the passage supporting each finding appears word for word in that source. A person has not yet reviewed each summary, so read the original before relying on a number. ORSIF summarizes research and does not endorse any product or company. Report a problem with this summary.
Prepared November 3, 2026.