OBJECTIVE: To evaluate dose-area product, skin entrance dose and doses from fluoroscopy and radiography in voiding cystourethrography studies of pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Procedures performed in 37 patients by four physicians of the institution were evaluated. Measurements were performed with an equipment including an ionization chamber directly coupled to the x-ray tube window and an electrometer (Diamentor) connected to a computer for data collection. RESULTS: Some procedures heterogeneity was observed and guidelines for good radiographic techniques were not followed. On average, 11 radiographies are performed for each study, with extended fluoroscopy time delivering a higher average final dose than those reported in the literature. CONCLUSION: The adoption of radiography with high kilovoltage technique and restricted utilization of fluoroscopy can result in a significant reduction of doses during this procedure, considering that the major contribution to the final dose comes from fluoroscopy.

Keywords: X-rays, Dosimetry, Cystourethrography, Fluoroscopy, Pediatric radiology