Recent studies suggest that patients taking GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Maunjaro may experience complications during surgery.
In one study led by the University of Texas at Houston, more than half of patients taking GLP-1 had “significant stomach contents” before surgery, despite following a preoperative fasting protocol, according to a press release on the university’s website.
This can cause food or liquids to be inhaled into the lungs, a potentially life-threatening condition called aspiration.
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GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) receptor agonists are often prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes (to stabilize blood sugar levels) or obesity (to help with weight loss).
“These drugs slow down digestion, so food stays in the stomach longer,” said Dr. Alfred Bonati, founder of the Bonati Spine Institute in Florida.
Recent studies suggest that patients taking GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Maunjaro may experience complications during surgery. (iStock, Getty Images)
Bonati warned that aspiration can cause severe lung damage, infection and even death.
“General anesthesia can also cause nausea, and the slowed digestion caused by weight loss medication can exacerbate this, increasing the risk of vomiting during surgery,” he said.
“These medications slow down digestion, so food stays in your stomach longer.”
Dr. Brett Osborne, a board-certified neurosurgeon and department chair at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Florida, says he always advises patients taking GLP-1 agonists to stop taking the medication at least a week before surgery.
In addition to aspiration, Osborne warned there is an increased risk of post-operative ileus, a malfunction of the intestines after surgery.
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) receptor agonists are often prescribed to stabilize blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes or to help obese people lose weight. (iStock)
“This could leave patients more susceptible to serious problems such as intestinal ischemia, a rare cardiovascular disease caused by reduced blood flow to the intestines,” he told Fox News Digital.
Healing is a secondary concern for patients taking GLP-1, Osborne said.
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“People on low-calorie diets, like patients taking GLP-1 agonists, may be impairing their healing and recovery after surgery that requires a calorie surplus, especially from protein-rich foods,” he said.
Proper nutrition is crucial for tissue recovery, Osborne says.
Proper nutrition is essential for recovery after surgery, doctors said. (iStock)
“These drugs can cause relative malnutrition, which can be problematic for perioperative patients.”
Dr. Jean Carlos Jimenez, medical director of Attune Med Spa in Connecticut, agreed that these drugs can cause complications during surgery.
Ask your doctor: “What should I do and what should I not do before surgery?”
“GLP-1 agonists can cause nausea, vomiting, and a condition called delayed gastric emptying, or gastroparesis. Delayed gastric emptying means that it takes longer than usual for the contents of the stomach to empty into the small intestine,” he told Fox News Digital in an email.
“Residual stomach contents may increase the risk of aspiration into the lungs during anesthesia and may worsen postoperative recovery.”
Surgery is known to change blood sugar levels due to the stress of the procedure, the doctor noted. (iStock)
Jimenez added that the stress of surgery is also known to change blood sugar levels.
Because of these risks, doctors agree that patients should review all medications they’re taking with their surgeon and anesthesiologist.
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For surgical procedures that require patients to fast or stick to a clear liquid diet, this may need to be continued for longer periods, Jimenez said.
“When to stop will depend on the type of GLP-1 agonist a patient is using, but could range from stopping daily dosing on the day of surgery to stopping scheduled weekly dosing one week before a scheduled surgery,” he told Fox News Digital.
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GLP-1 can usually be restarted at the next scheduled dose, but should be closely monitored by a doctor, he advised.
Bonati said the timing of surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s overall condition.
Because of the risks, doctors say patients should review all medications with their surgeon and anesthesiologist. (iStock)
“It is very important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider as they will give you advice tailored to your health condition and the specifics 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 the drug a few days or weeks before elective surgical procedures.
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The American Society of Nurse Anesthetists has issued a similar recommendation.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovi, for comment.
