Assessment of hysterosalpingography radiation doses in Taif city, Saudi Arabia

The main purpose of this study was to determine the entrance surface air kerma (ESAK), effective dose (E), and organ radiation dose to patients during hysterosalpingography performed in three major hospitals in Taif city, KSA [King Abdul Aziz Hospital (A), King Faisal Hospital (B), and a private hospital (C)]. The study involved 100 female patients (22-44 years of age) for approximately 6 months. Dosecalc software was used to determine the ESAKs. This software needs to record the exposure factors and X-ray tube output (OP), as well as the backscatter factor (BSF). The mean ESAK was 21.7 mGy for all hospitals and 20, 28, and 17 mGy for hospitals A, B, and C, respectively. There were wide ranges in the ESAKs among the hospitals in the current and previous studies. The mean organ radiation dose estimated for the urinary bladder, gonads, bone marrow, and colon was 0.87, 1.7, 2.6, and 1.7 mSv, respectively. The average ESAK results for all patients was higher than most previous studies. Due to the exposure factors, filtration, and skill of the operator, the dose values varied. Additionally, organs (e.g., ovaries and bone marrow) reported high doses, which increased the probability of cancer and hereditary effects, and necessitate radiation dose optimization. The results indicated the need to standardize the technology and introduce the diagnostic reference level throughout hospitals.