A comparison of awareness and knowledge levels among surgical branch physicians regarding local anesthetic systemic toxicity before and after an informational brochure

Işıker, S. A Comparison of Awareness and Knowledge Levels Among Surgical Branch Physicians Regarding Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity Before and After an Informational Brochure Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Medical Specialty Thesis in Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Eskişehir, 2025 This study was conducted as a questionnaire-based survey aimed at assessing the awareness and knowledge levels of surgical branch physicians concerning Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (LAST), and evaluating the effectiveness of a specially prepared informational brochure on improving these levels. Following ethical committee approval, the study was carried out as a multicenter online survey. A total of 90 physicians working in surgical disciplines—including residents, specialists, and faculty members—were included, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. The study was structured as a two-phase survey. After completing the initial questionnaire, participants were provided with an informational brochure on LAST. After 72 hours, participants completed a second questionnaire to assess improvements in their knowledge and awareness. The results demonstrated that the informational brochure significantly improved physicians' understanding of the prodromal signs, neurological and cardiac symptoms, risk factors, and treatment protocols of LAST. Self-reported feedback also confirmed that the brochure enhanced participants' knowledge. Prior to the informational intervention, many participants were found to have limited knowledge of LAST and notable gaps regarding its treatment approaches. After the intervention, substantial improvements were observed in areas such as monitoring, appropriate dose calculation, vital sign assessment, and intravenous lipid emulsion therapy. In conclusion, the study suggests that simple and accessible educational materials can be an effective tool in enhancing surgical physicians' knowledge of LAST. It emphasizes the importance of regular training programs and readily available informational resources for the prevention and effective management of rare but serious complications such as LAST. Key Words: Local anesthetic, Local anesthetic systemic toxicity, LAST