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Because glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists can slow gastric emptying, they might confer risk for residual gastric contents — and possibly aspiration — in patients undergoing surgical procedures under anesthesia. Anesthesiologists and gastroenterologists have weighed in on this concern (NEJM JW Gen Med Oct 15 2023 and J Diabetes Investig 2023; 14:767; NEJM JW Gen Med Jun 15 2024 and Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22:705).
In this study, researchers performed gastric ultrasound just prior to elective surgery in 62 patients who were using weekly injected GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide, dulaglutide, or tirzepatide) and in 62 nonusers (controls). Prior to surgery, patients had fasted at least 2 hours for clear liquids, 6 hours for l…