The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Task Force recently recommended discontinuing glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) agents before surgery because of the potential risk of pulmonary aspiration. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support this recommendation, and holding GLP-1 RA treatment may worsen glycemic control in patients with diabetes. As we await further safety data to manage GLP-1 RA in the perioperative period, we suggest an alternative multidisciplinary approach to manage patients undergoing elective surgery. Well-conducted observational and prospective studies are needed to determine the risk of pulmonary aspiration in persons receiving GLP-1 RA for the treatment of diabetes and obesity, as well as the short-term impact of discontinuing GLP-1 RA on glycemic control before elective procedures in persons with diabetes.
Keywords: aspiration pneumonia; diabetes complication; gastric emptying; incretin agents.