ERCP: Time to take the lead off?

Multiple studies have shown ERCP to generate significant doses of ionizing radiation. Yet, with the exception of the pregnant patient, most endoscopists performing ERCP are not precisely aware of, much less concerned about, the ionizing radiation generated. It's just another day in the ERCP suite, and what counts is the procedural outcome: Was cannulation of the targeted duct accomplished, and was the therapeutic intervention successfully executed? Historically, the radiation exposure from ERCP to the patient has been perceived as trivial and—even when longer fluoroscopy times are needed—as a necessary tradeoff to reap the advantages of ERCP over more invasive and risky radiologic and surgical alternatives.

http://ift.tt/2AE4FOL