Some expert groups say patients should pause their medication for a full three weeks before the scheduled procedure.
Others say theres not enough data yet to suggest a break is necessary at all.
But because aspiration can be fatal, he said its worth probing.
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No one knows the extent of this issue or even whether it is an issue, Jones told Verywell.
All I can say is that, between case reports and small observational studies, theres a concerning signal.
That leaves the airway unprotected at a time when the patients cough reflex is impeded.
An estimated 1 in 900 to 1 in 10,000 people who undergo anesthesia will experience aspiration.
Champeau said its more likely that providers would postpone a procedure than resort to intubation.
But its important for patients to be aware, too.
And if they choose to go ahead with the procedure, they assume the increased risk of aspiration.
Jones said that the disagreement among experts about how to handle GLP-1s stems from a lack of good data.
Robinson M, Davidson A.Aspiration under anaesthesia: risk assessment and decision-making.Contin Educ Anaesth Crit Care Pain.
2023;70(8):1281-1286. doi:10.1007/s12630-023-02550-y
