Estimation of Radiation Dose Received During HystrosalpingographyInKhartoum State Hospitals

Abstract

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an effective method to evaluate abnormalities of the uterus and fallopian tube using conventional x-ray or fluoroscopy. The aim of this study was to measure the patient’s entrance surface air kerma doses (ESAK) and dose area product (DAP). The study conducted in three radiology departments: Omdurman military hospital, Omdurman friendship hospital and royal care international hospital. A total of 50 patients were studied from three hospitals; the exposure factors, the fluoroscopy time, number of radiographs taken and entrance surface dose were measured in a series of 50 consecutive patients undergoing HSG as part of their infertility work-up. Organ-dose values per radiograph and per minute of fluoroscopy were separately determined using the CalDose software. The result of the study showed that the mean ESAK and DAP resulting from HSG were 2.18mGy and 66.48 Gycm2 respectively. The result of this study was higher compared with previous studies.The average HSG procedure involves a mean fluoroscopic time of (0.37) min and a mean number of radiographs of 3.2.The dose to female uterus and ovaries from an average HSG procedure were (2.78) and (2.92) mGy respectively, the patient effective dose was (1.2) mSv. Radiation risks from a typical HSG are low, but they may be elevated if fluoroscopic and/or radiographic exposures are prolonged for any reason. Present data allow the estimation of radiogenic risks associated with HSG procedures performed in other laboratories with use of different equipment, screening time and number of radiographs taken.