Rising popularity of GLP-1 medicines have led Anesthesiologist to advise users to consult their physicians before going under the effects of anesthesia.
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GLP-1 medications have seen growing usage amongst patients suffering from type 2 diabetes and weight management issues. This increase has raised concerns amongst health care professionals, who say that many users are unaware of the risks associated with taking GLP-1 receptor medications, specifically the risks surrounding anesthesia. Anesthesia Partners vocalized warnings to GLP-1 users, emphasizing consultations with physicians ahead of time before a scheduled procedure involving anesthesia.

Dr Mansfield, M.D., chairman of USAP’s clinical quality committee, spoke on the importance of informing health care professionals of usage of GLP-1’s before the use of anesthesia, saying, "The pre-operative safety guidelines for GLP-1 medications are changing quickly as new clinical evidence emerges. Given the evolving nature of guidance with these medications, it is recommended that patients consult with their physician as early as possible before their surgical procedure. This will enable the physician to give up-to-the-minute advice on the usage of the GLP-1 prior to surgery and advise the patient on proper dietary restrictions in the 24 hours prior to the procedure."¹

Gastric concerns

The American Society of Anesthesiologists touched on the delay in gastric emptying, recommending patients to cease GLP-1 usage seven days prior to any scheduled procedure. The recommendation aims to prevent any risk of aspiration and related respiratory issues.

Dr. Thomas R. McCarty, a gastroenterologist and researcher at Houston Methodist, touched on the complications of gastric delays, saying, "The delay in gastric emptying has created concerns about managing patients on these medications during surgeries and endoscopies. Food could potentially remain in the stomach longer, increasing the risk of aspiration and pneumonia if it enters the windpipe during procedures."²

GLP-1 receptor medication commonly is prescribed to those suffering from type 2 diabetes and weight management difficulties. The medication slows the digestive process, enabling a beneficial effect for blood sugar control while also suppressing the user’s appetite. The concern with GLP-1 usage originates from the delay in gastric emptying associated with the medicine’s usage, which raises the risk of respiratory complications occurring during surgery if all pre-operative instructions were not followed.

Medical professionals recommend that GLP-1 users adhere to pre-operative guidelines rigorously, especially if the operation involves anesthesia. Patients are advised that failure to comply with these guidelines can result in cancelling or postponing the surgery. If the procedure continues, physicians warn of the danger’s patients could suffer if they neglected to follow the instructions.

Physicians are encouraging GLP-1 patients to adhere to the following:

• Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist as soon as possible of the use of GLP-1 before your scheduled procedure
• Clearly and concisely review pre-operative instructions and raise concerns to your physician
• Always ask your surgeon or physician any questions or clarifications you may have prior to your operation
• If unable to follow pre-operative guidelines, inform your physician to allocate for the correct and most secure decisions to be made.

Sources

1. GLP-1 Users Encouraged to Closely Follow Pre-Operative Instructions to Avoid Potential Complications U.S. Anesthesia Partners August 6, 2025 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/glp-1-users-encouraged-to-closely-follow-pre-operative-instructions-to-avoid-potential-complications-302522295.html
2. Study Challenges Seven-Day Hold on GLP-1 Agonists Before Surgery Houston Methodist July 12 2024 https://www.houstonmethodist.org/leading-medicine-blog/articles/2024/jul/study-challenges-seven-day-hold-on-glp-1-agonists-before-surgery/