| Abstrakt: |
Introduction: Interventional radiology procedures conducted on a daily basis in orthopedic operating theaters often fail to provide adequate protection for those involved. Issues and Objectives: The case of Mr. ZR, a 40-year-old anesthetist working in the orthopedic block, has raised concerns about potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation sources (IR). Although this risk is not explicitly listed as an occupational hazard in Table 6, we believe that a comprehensive survey is necessary to assess exposure levels and identify any similar cases. Method: Our investigation involved a two-fold approach, consisting of a desk study that analyzed the activities in the orthopedic block, and an exceptional periodic survey of all staff members who were exposed to IR in the operating theaters. Results: The survey revealed that surgical staff were at risk of IR exposure due to the use of the "scopy" in surgical procedures. Personal protective measures were insufficient, as the number of exposed caregivers outweighed the measures that were in place. Furthermore, other protective measures were notably absent. The medical examinations of the operating room staff showed that 65% of them had pathologies commonly associated with IR exposure, including hypochromic microcytic anemia, thrombocytosis, thyroiditis, nodular thyroid gland, and a case of bilateral cataract. One anesthetist was even diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which prompted this analysis. Conclusion: Establishing a definitive causal relationship between the encountered pathologies and the emitted IR in the orthopedic block presents significant challenges. Nonetheless, our investigation highlights the importance of conducting comprehensive surveys to assess the potential risks associated with IR exposure in orthopedic operating theaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
