GLP-1 RA & Gastric Ultrasound

GLP-1 receptor agonists are rapidly transforming modern medicine. Initially developed for diabetes and later widely adopted for weight management, these agents are now being investigated for a range of additional benefits including cardiovascular protection, reduced addictive behaviours, and potential neuropsychiatric effects such as lowering risks of depression and dementia. As their use expands across multiple patient populations, anaesthetists are increasingly encountering patients taking GLP-1 therapies in the perioperative period. At the same time, guidelines regarding fasting and aspiration risk continue to evolve, creating uncertainty about how best to manage these patients before surgery.

In this ADVANCE session, clinicians explored the emerging evidence and practical implications of GLP-1 therapies in perioperative care, alongside the growing role of gastric ultrasound as a bedside tool to assess gastric contents when fasting status is uncertain. As perioperative practice adapts to these changing guidelines, gastric ultrasound is becoming an increasingly sought-after skill for anaesthetists managing higher-risk patients. Due to strong interest from clinicians, this ADVANCE session will be repeated soon to further explore the evidence, practical scanning techniques and real-world clinical applications.