A preoperative diabetes optimization program (PreDOP) is available at our institution for elective surgical patients with A1c> 8%. We previously reported on the positive impact of PreDOP on participants on whom medications, including GLP-1 agonists, were used to optimize glycemic control preoperatively. However, in June 2023 the American Society of Anesthesiologists recommended avoidance of GLP-1 agonists preoperatively due to concerns of possible complications related to delayed gastric emptying. Based on this, we extracted EPIC medical record data for adult surgical patients who participated in PreDOP between January 2016 and June 2023 (n=161), and identified those with an active prescription of a GLP-1 agonist at the time of surgery. Before June 2023, patients managed with GLP-1 agonists were not instructed to hold therapy before surgery. Table 1 shows sample characteristics of the study cohort by use of GLP-1 agonists (yes/no). Patients who received GLP-1 agonists were significantly more obese and had a higher BMI compared to those who did not. However, there were no significant differences in level of glycemic control before and at the time of surgery. Moreover, rates of perioperative complications, including any type of pneumonia within 30 days of surgery were not significantly different. In this review, use of GLP-1 agonists was not associated with increased risk of perioperative complications.
C.E. Mendez: Consultant; Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. A. Thorgerson: None. A.Z. Dawson: None. V. Nelson: None. A. Behrens: None. K. Pfeifer: None.
