Radiation exposure was studied on the basis of x-ray screening time and spotfilms
taken in 3590 patients undergoing ERCP. Factors influencing radiation exposure in
diagnostic procedures were the age of the patient, target duct system and gastroenteric
anastomosis, while duodenal diverticula proved to be of no significance. In endoscopic
sphincterotomy average fluoroscopic time was about one minute longer. In contrast
to diagnostic ERC, there was an appreciable reduction of radiation exposure in endoscopic
spincterotomy with time, reflecting the growing experience of the endoscopic team.
The data presented are within the acceptable range for conventional radiological GI-examinations.
Radiation exposure - X-ray screening time - Spotfilms - Cholangiopancreatography
