Determination of surgeon's absorbed dose in iodine 125 and ruthenium 106 ophthalmic plaque surgery.

Abstract Objective Validation of dosimetry and exposition time to an ophthalmic surgeon during radioactive plaque operations. Design Experimental study in which videotaped operations and dosimetric measurements were used to model dosimetry. Methods We used thermoluminescence detectors for high sensitivity readings in radiation fields. Typical intersurgical mobility was videotaped and distances to the plaque was evaluated. Main outcome measure Estimated radiation received by surgeons. Results All simulated plaque operations have a maximum dose rate of 6 mGy per minute (value in the inner eyeball). Mean dose rate is 2 mGy per minute (average of approximately all measurements). The surgeon’s fingers receive a dose from 2 to 6 mSv from plaque operation. Conclusions Results suggest that radioactive plaque operations are safe for the surgeon but that the time for plaque handling should be minimized. A surgeon should not exceed 100 to 200 operations per year.