ASA recommendations
The ASA Task Force on Preoperative Fasting reviewed the available literature on GLP-1 receptor agonists and associated gastrointestinal adverse effects, including the consequences of delayed gastric emptying.
The task force acknowledges that the evidence to provide guidance for preoperative management of these drugs to prevent regurgitation and pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents is “sparse, limited only to several case reports.”
Nevertheless, given the concerns of GLP-1 receptor agonist–induced delayed gastric emptying and associated high risk for regurgitation and aspiration of gastric contents, the task force made these recommendations for elective procedures.
The day before the procedure
For patients on daily dosing, consider holding GLP-1 agonists on the day of the procedure/surgery. For patients on weekly dosing, consider holding GLP-1 agonists a week prior to the procedure/surgery.
This suggestion is irrespective of the indication (type 2 diabetes or weight loss), dose, or the type of procedure/surgery.
If GLP-1 agonists prescribed for diabetes are held for longer than the dosing schedule, consider consulting an endocrinologist for bridging the antidiabetic therapy to avoid hyperglycemia.
The day of the procedure
If GI symptoms such as severe nausea/vomiting/retching, abdominal bloating, or abdominal pain are present, consider delaying the elective procedure and discuss the concerns of potential risk of regurgitation and pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents with the proceduralist/surgeon and the patient.
If the patient has no GI symptoms and the GLP-1 agonists have been held as advised, proceed as usual.
If the patient has no GI symptoms but the GLP-1 agonists were not held as advised, proceed with “full stomach” precautions or consider evaluating gastric volume by ultrasound, if possible and if proficient with the technique. If the stomach is empty, proceed as usual. If the stomach is full or if gastric ultrasound is inconclusive or not possible, consider delaying the procedure or treat the patient as “full stomach” and manage accordingly. Discuss the concerns of potential risk of regurgitation and pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents with the proceduralist/surgeon and the patient.
There is no evidence to suggest the optimal duration of fasting for patients on GLP-1 agonists. Therefore, until we have adequate evidence, we suggest following the current ASA fasting guidelines.
For patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists who need urgent or emergent procedures, the ASA advises proceeding and treating the patient as “full stomach” and managing accordingly.
Dr. Leighton has financial relationships with Olympus and Pfizer. Dr. Pickett-Blakely has no relevant disclosures. Dr. Johnson is an adviser to ISOTHRIVE and Johnson & Johnson.
This story was adapted for GI&Hepatology News from Medscape.
