Radiation exposure to patients undergoing percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography: an advanced phantom study.

This article focuses on experimentally measuring radiation doses received by critical organs during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography (PTC), two fluoroscopic procedures used in diagnosing and treating hepatobiliary diseases. Using an anthropomorphic Alderson RANDO phantom equipped with Thermoluminescent Dosemeters (TLDs), the study found that PTC generally results in higher per-minute radiation exposure to organs such as the thyroid, spleen, liver, pancreas, ovaries, and uterus compared to ERCP. These findings emphasize the importance of carefully selecting between ERCP and PTC based on patient-specific factors, particularly radiation sensitivity and pre-existing conditions, to minimize potential radiological risks. The study also highlights the need for ongoing improvements in imaging techniques and safety protocols to reduce radiation exposure during these procedures.