Ultrasound imaging diagnostics: healthcare risks for urologists.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are: 1) assessing if Ultrasound (US) used during US scans can represent a risk for the healthcare of urologists; 2) verifying the frequency of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) symptoms and musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), trying to assess the possible correlation with job load and US scanning procedures; 3) assessing the role of individual factors like age, gender and physical activity in determining such disorders. METHODS: A group of 35 voluntary urologists carrying out ultrasound scans were selected: 13 were working for the 1 degrees Teaching Hospital Urology, 11 for the 2 degrees Teaching Hospital Urology, 2 for the Hospitalization Urology of the Policlinico of Bari and 9 for Urology of Public Corporation Di Venere of Bari. A questionnaire, divided in two parts, was administered to the sample: the first aimed at collecting demographic data and at describing the operators' workload and the second focused on the possible presence of CTS and MSD symptoms. RESULTS: 32 urologists over 35 performed more than 5 scans per week and more than 5 scans per day. On average the specialists were carrying out this activity since 18 years wheras for post-graduate students, this time was about 4 years. Twenty-six subjects (74%) showed no symptoms, 8 subjects (23%) showed from 1 to 4 symptoms which can be associated to the presence of CTS; only one subject presents more than 5 symptoms. As regards MSD, 6 urologists (17%) did not present disorders, 24 subjects (69%) showed from 1 to 4 symptoms and 5 subjects (14%) presented more than 5 symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The use of US scan examination is completely safe both for the healthcare of the patients and the operator. For what concerns healthcare risks, it is highly recommended to adopt a correct posture when performing the examination and to use the provided chair.

Endorectal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan in rectal cancer: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: Endorectal ultrasound was compared with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the preoperative staging for patients with Rectal Cancer. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed with regards to the factors that might influence the risk of local relapse such as T, N and CRM (circumferential resection margin). METHODS: From January 2006 to April 2010, 64 patients with rectal cancer were studied preoperatively either by means of MRI scan of the pelvis or endorectal ultrasound scan in order to assess the intramural extension. For 30 out of 64 patients both methods were used (comparing instrumental with histopathological data) while for 34 patients over 64 only ultrasound scan was used. RESULTS: Endorectal ultrasound resulted to be more reliable in defining the T (parietal infiltration of the tumor) whereas MRI better defined CRM. CONCLUSIONS: Both methods are reliable and complementary enabling an accurate staging of patients with rectal cancer.