Ultrasonography and Italian anesthesiology: a national cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose: In recent years, ultrasound has seen a rapid development with numerous applications in anesthesia, intensive-care medicine, and pain medicine, increasing efficacy and safety of procedures. We investigated the prevalence of ultrasound use among Italian anesthetists. Methods: A cross-sectional prevalence study was carried out on a sample of 735 anesthetists. The research was conducted during the ultrasound training in anesthesia and intensive care, in the Italian Associazione Anestesisti Rianimatori Ospedalieri – Emergenza Area Critica “SimuLearn®” training centre (Bologna, Italy). Results: The overall prevalence of a dedicated ultrasound devices in the operating room was 70% [95% CI 66–73%], while 74% [95% CI 69–78%] in northern Italy, 61% [95% CI 52–68%] in southern Italy, and 70% [95% CI 63–77%] in central Italy, indicating a significant difference between the north and south of Italy. The prevalence of regular use of ultrasound was high for regional anesthesia and for central venous cannulation [82–95% CI 79–85%] and low for pain therapy procedures [7–95% CI 6–10%]. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the presence of a dedicated ultrasound device and high expertise were factors associated with routine use of ultrasound for regional anesthesia in upper and lower limb blocks and in vascular access. Conclusion: The appropriate training in the use of ultrasound in anesthesia, intensive-care medicine, and pain therapy should be implemented in south of Italy to make uniform the widespread of ultrasonography in anesthesia, in all Italian regions.