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

Objective: Validation of dosimetry and exposition time to an ophthalmic sur geon during radioactive plaque operations. Design: Experimental study in which videotaped operations and dosimetric me asurements were used to model dosimetry, Methods: We used thermoluminescence detectors for high sensitivity readings in radiation fields. Typical intersurgical mobility was videotaped and dis tances 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 fo r the surgeon but that the time for plaque handling should be minimized. A surgeon should not exceed 100 to 200 operations per year. (C) 2000 by the A merican Academy of Ophthalmology.