2024 FSA Podium and Poster Abstracts
P093: WITH THE INCREASED USE OF GLP-1 AGONISTS IN THE GENERAL POPULATION, SHOULD GASTRIC ULTRASOUND BE A PREOPERATIVE NECESSITY?
Jaime Hawat, BS1; Joey Novoa, DO2; Samuel Angel, BS1; Cristina Benites, MBS1; Michelle L Demory, PhD1; 1Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine; 2Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Background: Gastric ultrasound has been increasingly utilized for evaluating gastric content and volume preoperatively, especially in populations at risk for delayed gastric emptying such as diabetics. This systematic review focuses on the relevance of preoperative gastric ultrasound in diabetic patients and its importance in the context of GLP-1 agonist use, such as semaglutide, which has been associated with increased aspiration risk due to delayed gastric emptying.
Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of databases including PubMed and Embase up to January 2024. Various types of studies were included, such as observational, prospective, and retrospective analysis studies. Inclusion criteria were studies focused on use of gastric ultrasound in preoperative assessment of gastric emptying focusing on the diabetic population. We also included GLP-1 agonists and semaglutide in the search which yielded three case reports on this topic.
Results: Evidence indicates that despite standard fasting, a significant portion of diabetic patients present with substantial gastric contents, posing an aspiration risk. Additionally, case reports suggest an increased aspiration risk in patients on GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide, further complicating preoperative management in the diabetic population.
Discussion: The findings advocate for the integration of gastric ultrasound into preoperative assessment protocols for diabetic patients, particularly those on GLP-1 agonists. Establishing specific guidelines could mitigate aspiration risks. Future research should focus on developing clear protocols and integrating gastric ultrasound as a standard in preoperative assessments to enhance patient safety, considering the rising use of GLP-1 agonists and the unique challenges presented by the diabetic population.