GLP-1 and anesthesia for surgery

Posted by Laurie, Volunteer Mentor @roch, 4 hours ago

I am not on GLP-1, but I have to have an EGD this afternoon, and while reading the prep instructions, I noticed a section about GLP-1. EGD is Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, also known as an upper endoscopy. It is a procedure in which they insert a scope through your mouth to examine your esophagus and stomach. This procedure requires anesthesia. At first, I thought the special instructions were because they were scoping my stomach, but I did little research, and the specific instructions may apply to anyone requiring anesthesia.

The reason for specific instructions for GLP-1 users is that GLP-1 receptor agonists work in part by slowing gastric emptying, causing food to remain in the stomach longer. For procedures requiring anesthesia, this residual stomach content increases the danger of pulmonary aspiration.

So, if you're taking a GLP-1 and have surgery/procedure requiring anesthesia, it is important your care team knows all medications you're taking, including GLP-1. It may require you to fast for a slightly longer time prior to the procedure.

There are multiple publications on the subject. If you want more information, this publication from the American Society of Anesthesiologists may be helpful:
https://madeforthismoment.asahq.org/preparing-for-surgery/risks/drugs-diabetes-weight-loss/
Curious if others have seen specific pre-surgery instructions for GLP-1 users?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss Support Group.

celia16 | @celia16 | 3 hours ago

You are correct. I had appointment with surgeon yesterday and there were multiple questions about that type of medication. I don’t take any of them, but they asked me repeatedly. Perhaps it was due to me being diabetic, though I’m type 1, and I’ve lost almost 100 pounds over the last 2 years. Oh, they also asked me repeatedly if I was seeing a cardiologist. Hmmm…..No, my labs and baseline EKG perfectly normal. Glad they are thorough though.

Best wishes with your procedure. Mine is outpatient (not bariatric) , but in hospital with anesthesia.