Perioperative Management of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists: An Update on Current Recommendations & Implementation of POCgUS (1 Class A CE with .5 Pharm)

This presentation will discuss the current research regarding perioperative management of GLP-1RAs and will review how POCgUS can be an objective tool to assess gastric contents when a provider is questioning the prandial status of their patient. The presentation will also discuss how gastric ultrasound can be implemented into practice at the provider and department level. Prescriptions for GLP-1RAs have skyrocketed and these medications are “lifelong” because termination of these drugs results in regaining of weight lost and increasing plasma glucose levels. Therefore, patients taking these medications will continue to present for surgery. Although GLP-1RAs have many benefits, gut paralysis is a major anesthetic concern associated with these medications that can result in pulmonary aspiration. Currently, there is a lack of quality research to guide perioperative management, however, new data is being published daily. POCgUS is a valid and reliable tool to assess gastric contents and has been recommended in the literature to gain information to make decisions regarding the anesthetic management of patients taking GLP-1RAs. In addition, a discussion regarding implementation of POCgUS will occur regarding the provider as well as the adoption of the techniques at the department level.