Testicular Radiation Dose during KUB Radiography

Abstract

Radiographic imaging plays a major role in diagnosing various kinds of diseases and in detecting unknown medical conditions. Ionizing radiation can cause tissue changes starting from cellular level. Genital organs are highly sensitive to ionizing radiation. Hence they are more vulnerable to biological damages following exposure to ionizing radiation. KUB (Kidney, Ureter, Bladder) radiography is a commonly performed radiographic examination where the abdomen is exposed down to the pubic symphysis thereby a significant scatter radiation is likely to be received by the testes being superficially placed organs in the close proximity. The objective of this study was to estimate the testicular radiation dose during routine KUB examinations. Seventy five adult male patients undergoing routine KUB radiographic examinations in Teaching Hospital, Kurunegala were taken into consideration. The Electronic Pocket Dosimeter (EPD) was used to measure the individual testicular radiation dose. A pre-coded questionnaire was used to record the demographic data and the relevant radiographic parameters. According to the results mean testicular radiation dose was 28.76 ?Sv while maximum testicular dose was 88 ?Sv and minimum testicular dose was 5 ?Sv. The surface radiation dose during KUB studies ranged from 5 ?Sv to 88 ?Sv which is less than the dose required to cause significant health hazard. However, since repeated exposures can have additive effects, the dose should be minimized as much as possible. The radiation dose shows a positive correlation with the BMI, weight, body thickness mAs and kV. However the relationship appears stronger with kV than other variables. Therefore practice of low kV when possible and use of a gonad shield would be reasonable measures to minimize testicular radiation dose further.