Patients who are taking GLP-1 drugs Recent research has shown that players like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and others could face complications during surgery.
In a study led by UTHealth Houston, more than half of patients taking GLP-1 had “significant gastric contents” before surgery, even if they had followed preoperative fasting protocols, according to a news release on the university’s website.
This could lead to a life-threatening condition called pulmonary aspiration, when food or liquid is inhaled into the lungs.
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GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) receptor agonists are commonly prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes (to stabilize blood glucose levels) or obesity (to help with weightloss).
“These medications slow down digestion, which means food stays in the stomach longer,” said Dr. Alfred Bonati, founder of the Bonati Spine Institute in Florida.
Patients taking GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and others may face complications during surgery, new research shows. (iStock; Getty Images)
Pulmonary aspiration can cause serious lung damageinfections or even death, Bonati warned.
“General anesthesia can also cause nausea, and the slow digestion caused by weight-loss medications can exacerbate this, leading to an increased risk of vomiting during surgery,” he said.
“These medications slow down digestion, which means food stays in the stomach for longer.”
Dr. Brett Osborn, a board-certified neurosurgeon and section chief at St. Mary's Medical Center in Florida, always advises his patients taking GLP-1 agonists to stop taking the medication at least a week before a surgical procedure, he said.
In addition to aspiration, Osborn warned of the increased risk of postoperative ileusa dysfunction of the intestines after surgery.
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) receptor agonists are commonly prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes, to stabilize blood glucose levels, or to patients with obesity, to help with weight loss. (iStock)
“This could predispose patients to significant problems, including intestinal ischemia (a rare circulatory condition that occurs when blood flow to the intestines is reduced),” he told Fox News Digital.
Healing is a secondary concern among patients taking GLP-1, according to Osborn.
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“Those on a low-calorie diet, such as patients taking GLP-1 agonists, may potentially inhibit healing and recovery from surgery, which requires a caloric surplus, particularly from high-protein foods,” he said.
Proper nutrition It's crucial for tissue recovery, Osborn said.
Proper nutrition is essential for healing after surgery, a doctor said. (iStock)
“By inducing a relative state of malnutrition, these medications may be problematic in perioperative patients.”
Dr. Jean-Carlos Jimenez, medical director of Attune Med Spa in Connecticut, agreed that these medications can cause complications. During surgery.
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“GLP-1 agonists can cause nausea, vomiting and something known as delayed gastric emptying or gastroparesis, which means the stomach takes longer than normal to empty its contents into the small intestine,” he told Fox News Digital via email.
“Residual gastric contents may increase the risk of pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia and potentially worsen postoperative recovery.”
Surgery is known to alter blood sugar levels due to the stress of the procedure, one doctor said. (iStock)
Surgery is also known to alter blood sugar levels due to the stress of the procedure, Jimenez added.
Because of these risks, doctors agree that patients should review all medications they are taking with their surgeon and anesthesiologist.
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For surgical procedures that require patients to fast or stay on a clear liquid diet, they may need to do this for a longer period of time, Jimenez said.
“The timing of discontinuation of treatment will depend on the type of GLP-1 agonists the patient is using, but may range from maintaining the daily dose on the day of surgery to maintaining the scheduled weekly dose a week before a planned procedure,” he told Fox News Digital.
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GLP-1s can generally be restarted at the next scheduled dose, but should be carefully monitored by the physician, she advised.
The timing may depend on the type of surgery and the patient's general condition, Bonati said.
Because of the risks, doctors say patients should review all their medications with their surgeon and anesthesiologist. (iStock)
“It is essential to follow the instructions provided by the health service providersas they will tailor the advice to your individual health needs and the details of your surgery,” he added.
In June 2023, the American Society of Anesthesiologists released an announcement warning of the risks and recommending that patients consider pausing their doses in the days or weeks before an elective surgical procedure.
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The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiologists has issued a similar recommendation.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, for comment.
