Revolutionary Change in Medical Guidelines: GLP-1 Medications No Longer Need to be Discontinued Before Surgery

In a significant reversal of medical guidelines, professional societies now recommend that patients no longer need to discontinue their GLP-1 diabetes and weight loss medications before surgical procedures. This groundbreaking decision is supported by a recent study presented at a meeting of gastroenterologists. The study, which encompasses 35 studies with over 714,000 patients, shows that the risk of aspiration is not increased in patients who continued taking GLP-1 medications. Previously, surgeons required a medication pause due to the drugs, including Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy as well as Eli Lilly's Zepbound and Mounjaro, delaying gastric emptying. Although procedures in patients who did not pause the medications had to be aborted more frequently, retained gastric contents were not an issue in patients who followed a 24-hour liquid diet plan. These findings suggest that such a diet plan could be beneficial before a GI endoscopy. In parallel, researchers reported an increase in Barrett's esophagus among younger patients. The precancerous condition of the esophagus is appearing more frequently before the age of 50, which could argue for earlier screenings. Additionally, results indicated that medication treatment for alcohol disorders, particularly among patients with alcoholic liver disease, is underutilized in the USA. Only a small percentage of affected patients received appropriate medication, despite pharmacological therapy being an important tool for addiction treatment. These developments underscore the evolving landscape in medical practice and could have long-term impacts on patient care.