Turkish pediatric surgeons knowledge on the radiation exposure of patients during diagnostic imaging

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the level of pediatric surgeons information about patients' radiation exposure doses during radiological examinations such as radiography, computed tomography (CT). Material and Methods: A questionnaire of demographic data (academic title, experience, and foundation) and a questionnaire of knowledge of radiation exposure doses were administered to 102 pediatric surgeons. Chi-square test was used in the statistically evaluation. Results: 73.5% of the participant were underestimated radiation exposure for an abdominopelvic CT examinations. Some pediatric surgeons were not aware that magnetic resonance imaging (21.6%) and ultrasound (10.80%) are radiation free imaging. The question for the lifetime increased cancer risk because of radiation from one abdominal and pelvic CT scan was answered as yes by 49 (48%) pediatric surgeons, and no by 53 (52%) pediatric surgeons. The life time risk of cancer for one abdominopelvic CT was falsely answered by the majority of pediatric surgeons. The frequency of discussion of this risk with patient and families was too low. There were statistically no difference between the demographic data and knowledge base section for all parameters of the questioners. Conclusion: We have determined a lack of information about radiation exposure for diagnostic imaging in the Turkish pediatric surgeon population.