Factors affecting radiation exposure in patients undergoing endoscopic treatment for urolithiasis

Imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) and fluoroscopy, are essential for the diagnosis and treatment of urolithiasis. There is increasing concern regarding the cumulative radiation dose associated with medical imaging and its adverse effects. This study aimed to assess radiation exposure in patients undergoing endoscopic management of urolithiasis and to identify factors associated with increased exposure. A retrospective analysis of all consecutive symptomatic urolithiasis cases who underwent endoscopic surgery over a two-year period at a tertiary referral center was performed. The cumulative radiation dose was recorded per stone episode, and the effective dose (ED) then calculated. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to determine the association between ED and patient, stone, and procedural characteristics. Between January 2020 and December 2021, 250 patients underwent endoscopic intervention for urolithiasis; 71% (n = 178) were male with a median age of 48 years (IQR 35–59). The median stone size was 6 mm (IQR, 5–8 mm) and the median stone volume was 110 mm (IQR, 60–206 mm). Most stones were located in the distal ureter (46%, n = 114). The median ED received per stone episode was 3.99 mSv (IQR 2.9–7 mSv). On multivariable analysis, BMI, number of CT scans performed, CT protocol used, and repeat procedures strongly predicted increased radiation dose (p < 0.01). It is important for urologists to consider the cumulative radiation dosage in patients with urolithiasis. Strategies to minimize exposure, such as avoiding re-imaging, low-dose CTs, and collimation of the region of interest with judicious magnification, should be considered during treatment.