Navigating GLP-1 Safety and Anesthesia - an ABE Webinar | April 2025-Navigating GLP-1 Safety and Anesthesia

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In an insightful webinar hosted by the Association for Bariatric Endoscopy and moderated by Dr. Reem Sharai, experts discussed the complexities of using GLP-1 receptor agonists in the context of endoscopic procedures. The session brought together eminent figures such as Dr. Diana Anka, Dr. Walter Chan, and Dr. Nirav Dasani, who examined the interplay between these medications, anesthesia, and gastrointestinal motility.<br /><br />Dr. Anka highlighted the initial struggles in managing GLP-1 users, emphasizing the need for thoughtful anesthesia practices, including potential aspiration risks. She stressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for risk assessment and patient safety. Dr. Chan provided a detailed analysis of GLP-1's effects on gastric motility, noting that while these medications can delay gastric emptying, the delay is often mild and primarily affects solid foods. He suggested that a more cautious approach might not always be necessary, especially when recent studies show minimal increase in respiratory complications among GLP-1 users.<br /><br />Dr. Dasani discussed the development of clinical guidelines by a multidisciplinary team, tailored to different endoscopic scenarios, suggesting pre-procedure clear liquid diets and specific medication holding strategies to mitigate risk. They emphasized patient education and the role of shared decision-making when planning procedures.<br /><br />The webinar concluded with a call for ongoing research to refine safety protocols and urged institutions to streamline strategies to manage patients on GLP-1 agonists effectively, aiming to balance procedure safety with therapeutic continuity.

Asset Subtitle

This webinar was recorded on April 15, 2025.
Moderator: Reem Z. Sharaiha, MD, MSc, MASGE
Presenters: Diana Anca, MD; Walter W. Chan, MD, MPH, FACG, AGAF; Nirav C. Thosani, MD, MHA

Keywords

Bariatric Endoscopy

GLP-1 receptor agonists

endoscopic procedures

anesthesia practices

gastric motility

interdisciplinary collaboration

clinical guidelines

patient education

safety protocols

therapeutic continuity