A patient receiving a GLP-1 receptor agonist may develop postoperative gastroparesis.
Patient selection: status post anesthesia
Clinical features:
(1) patient receiving GLP-1 agonist
(2) vomiting of partially digested food with or without aspiration
(3) distended stomach identified despite appropriate preoperative fasting period
(4) exclusion of an alternative cause
Risk factor:
(1) gastroparesis from other cause (diabetes, other)
(2) long-acting formulation
The drugs can also slow motility in the upper small bowel.
These effects on the GI tract caused by the drugs is not seen in diabetic dysautonomia.
This effect can be prevented by not taking the drug for a period prior to surgery (1 week for weekly injection, day of surgery for oral route plus possibly the day before).
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