Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the tendency, knowledge, awareness and
behavior patterns of urology residents training at different
institutions in Turkey about the use of fluoroscopy in operations.
Methods: The 13-questioned survey prepared using ”Google
Forms©” as of 01.03.2021 was shared for four weeks in the “WhatsApp®”
application group, which includes 279 urology residents studying with
university hospitals and training and research hospitals in Turkey. One
hundred and thirteen participants, who completed the questionnaire were
included in the study.
Results: Of the 113 urology residents included in the study, 56
(49.6%) were studying in university hospitals and 57 (50.4%) were in
training and research hospitals. 67.3% of the residents stated that
they never hesitated to participate in the operations which fluoroscopy
was used. Additionally, the residents stated that, also 43.4% of the
auxiliary healthcare staff frequently refrain from being involved in
these cases (p <0.001).
While 21 (37.5%) of the residents trained in the university hospital
reported that they hesitated from these cases, this rate was found that
16 (28.2%) of the residents who were trained in the training and
research hospitals and a significant difference was observed between two
groups (p <0.016). Among residents, the rate of using
radioprotective lead apron was 94.7%, and the rate of thyroid shield
use was 98.2%. While the rate of using radiation protective glasses was
1.8%, it was learned that none of the residents used radioprotective
gloves. Only 5.3% of the residents stated that they are trained in
subjects about the harmful radiation effect.
Conclusion: Urology residents in Turkey do not receive
sufficient training on the harmful effects of fluoroscopy, which they
frequently use in their daily practice. In addition, the residents whom
training in university hospitals are more scared of the radiation
exposure from fluoroscopy than their colleagues working in training and
research hospitals.
Keywords: Fluoroscopy; Radiation; Residents; Survey; Training
centers