The pregnant urologist

Abstract

Female urologists represent an ever-increasing percentage of the work force; more and more of our colleagues will be working through pregnancy. There is a lack of clear and concise advice for pregnant urologists about occupational risks during pregnancy. Urology exposes expectant mothers to potential risks from radiation, teratogenic and cytotoxic drugs, iodine hand scrub, infections, and long working hours. We aim to provide a review of the current evidence and guidance to aid expectant mothers in their decision making. Relevant research articles and up-to-date guidance were reviewed. The millisevert (the average accumulated background radiation dose to an individual for 1 year, exclusive of radon) was used as the main unit of radiation dose. There is no published evidence to date in pregnant clinicians that shows a received radiation dose of more than the recommended dose for a pregnant lady, and no data showing an increased risk of foetal abnormalities in clinicians who continue to screen during pregnancy; however, the data are from small studies. There is strong advice suggesting avoidance of contact with crushed or broken 5α-reductase inhibitor tablets (finasteride and dutasteride), mitomycin and other cytotoxic drugs during pregnancy. Pregnant surgeons should avoid frequent use of iodine hand wash. Good hygiene precautions will protect from many infections along with up-to-date immunisations and use of personal protective equipment for certain cases.

Current status of female urologists in Korea

“…For doctors of childbearing age, urology has certain weaknesses. This is due to exposure to potential risks from radiation, teratogenic and cytotoxic drugs such as 5α-reductase inhibitors and mitomycin, iodine hand scrubs, infections, and long working hours [ 9 ]. However, this is not a weakness unique to urology, and also applies to other surgical fields.…”

To Be a Pregnant Surgeon—Is There Anything to Be Afraid of?

“…However, recent studies show that even working in harmful conditions, such as radiation exposure, can be safe for pregnant women, provided that the work is performed under certain conditions and limited as much as possible to be safe [12,13]. The development of minimally invasive techniques has made it possible to perform operations in safe conditions, using devices for coagulation without radiation-for example, using ultrasonic energy [14]. Unlimited quantities of waste anesthetic gases may cause spontaneous abortion or congenital abnormalities [7].…”