Hormonal
GLP-1 agonists (e.g., semaglutide, tirzepatide) significantly delay gastric emptying and increase retained gastric contents, thereby increasing the risk of intraoperative pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia even after standard preoperative fasting.
If you take GLP-1 agonists (like Ozempic or Wegovy) and are having surgery, tell your anesthesiologist. Standard fasting might not be enough to empty your stomach because these drugs slow digestion. Your doctor may use an ultrasound to check your stomach before surgery or adjust your anesthesia plan to prevent aspiration.
Potent gastric emptying delay is common with these medications... retained gastric contents can lead to intraoperative aspiration.
Why this rating
Supported by multiple case reports, retrospective cohort studies, and meta-analyses cited in the review.
Source
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists and General Anesthesia: Perioperative Considerations and the Utility of Gastric Ultrasound
Conner M Willson et al. · Cureus · 2024
DOI 10.7759/cureus.58042
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