Awareness and practices regarding local anesthetic usage and toxicity among OB-GYN and anesthesiology professionals in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

Local anesthetics (LAs) are commonly used in obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN); however, inappropriate administration can cause local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST), a life-threatening condition. For safe medical practice, healthcare providers should carefully follow the guidelines for administering LAs for early identification and proper management of LAST when it occurs.

METHODS

This nationwide study used a 36-item self-administered questionnaire administered to healthcare professionals in OB-GYN and anesthesiology. The survey assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of commonly used LA agents, their appropriate dosage, and awareness of LAST's management.

RESULTS

A study of 391 Saudi healthcare professionals, between OB-GYN (51.2%) and anesthesiology (48.8%), reported greater engagement in anesthetic training and usage among anesthesiologists (88% trained, 58.1% daily use) than among OB-GYNs (38.5% trained, 30.5% daily use). OB-GYNs most commonly performed perineal tear repairs (88.5%), whereas anesthesiologists mainly performed paracervical blocks (89.5%). Lidocaine was the preferred local anesthetic for OB-GYNs at 93.5%, with anesthesiologists also favoring lidocaine but showing a higher use of bupivacaine (75.4%). Furthermore, the knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores of OB-GYN participants were significantly lower scores in all parameters compared to the anesthesiology participants ( < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare professionals in OB-GYN lack adequate knowledge of the safe and effective use of LA agents. Their knowledge must be increased through education to ensure safe practices.