Summary
A consensus clinical practice recommendation endorsed by the Australian Diabetes Society (ADS), National Association of Clinical Obesity Services (NACOS), Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) and Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA).
In response to case reports and large case series of retained gastric contents and pulmonary aspiration during sedation for endoscopic procedures or general anaesthesia in people with diabetes and/or obesity treated with GLP-1RAs or GLP-1/GIPRAs, a clinical practice recommendation regarding the periprocedural use of GLP-1RAs and GLP-1/GIPRAs has been co-authored and updated by representatives from ADS, NACOS, GESA and ANZCA. The recommendations represent a consensus based on review of currently available evidence and expert opinion. Although the current level of evidence remains limited, new data and other multidisciplinary clinical guidelines [1, 2] have been considered. This document was written to mitigate the risk of pulmonary aspiration with the periprocedural use of GLP-1RAs and GLP-1/GIPRAs which, although rare, is high-risk and potentially fatal.
Position Statement
Download the updated Clinical Practice Recommendations regarding patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor co-agonists prior to anaesthesia or sedation for surgical and endoscopic procedures (Posted: April 2025) – PDF
