Research

Hormonal

Peri-operative use of GLP-1 receptor agonists delays gastric emptying, increasing the risk of retained gastric contents and pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia, particularly in patients without diabetes or those recently initiating therapy.

If you take GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic or Wegovy) before surgery, tell your anesthesiologist immediately. These drugs slow stomach emptying, which can cause dangerous aspiration during anesthesia. You may need to fast longer or follow a clear-liquid diet for 24 hours before your procedure, even if it is elective. Do not assume standard fasting rules apply.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
In conclusion, GLP-1 RAs delay gastric emptying, with the potential risk of aspiration with peri-operative use.
Lisa M. Raven et al. · The Medical Journal of Australia · 2023

Why this rating

Based on retrospective audits, case reports, and small observational studies rather than large RCTs.

Source

Considerations of delayed gastric emptying with peri‐operative use of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists

Lisa M. Raven et al. · The Medical Journal of Australia · 2023

DOI 10.5694/mja2.52170

narrative_reviewCited 19×
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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