Knowledge Assessment among Surgeons about Energy Devices Safe Use: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: To assess the knowledge of general surgery trainees about the safe use of energy devices in 2 tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Background: Electrosurgery (ES) is the use of high-frequency electrical energy to achieve cutting and coagulation. This method has become ubiquitous worldwide for the purpose of achieving rapid hemostasis and rapid dissection of tissues. Methods: Participants completed a 35-item multiple-choice question examination, testing critical knowledge of ES. The examination was developed according to the objectives and blueprints of Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons’ Fundamental Use of Surgical Energy curriculum. Sections of the examination included the following: principles of ES, ES-related adverse events, monopolar and bipolar devices, pediatric considerations, and interference with implantable devices. Scores were compared between junior and senior participants. Results: A total of 51 general surgical trainees from 2 academic hospitals completed the assessment; 15.69% of the participants correctly answered 30 of 35 questions, 39.22% of the participants responded correctly to 20 of 35 questions, and 45.09% responded correctly to fewer than 20 questions. It was found that 52.2% of the individuals with a low level of understanding were junior residents; 87.5% of the participants with the highest level of understanding were senior residents, with a significant P value of 0.04. Conclusions: Most general surgery residents enrolled in the Saudi Arabian Board of Surgery lack adequate knowledge about the safe and efficient use of surgical energy devices.