Gastric ultrasound as a decision-making tool in the anesthetic management following recent discontinuation of a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist: a case report
Letícia Lopes Machado, Felipe Lopes de Moraes Pironatto, Maristela Bueno Lopes, Rodrigo Souza da Silva
Abstract
This case report describes ultrasound-guided anesthetic management in a 71-year-old woman with diabetes who underwent carpal tunnel surgery following the recent discontinuation of semaglutide treatment. Despite adherence to fasting recommendations, ultrasound revealed solid gastric contents, increasing the risk of aspiration. Due to the surgical urgency caused by an associated local infection, rapid sequence intubation was performed safely and without complications. This case highlights uncertainties in the perioperative management of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and the limitations of standard fasting guidelines in high-risk patients. Gastric ultrasound proved to be a rapid and reliable bedside tool that significantly influenced clinical decision-making and may enhance perioperative safety when incorporated into anesthetic practice.
Keywords
References
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Submitted date:
04/30/2026
Accepted date:
09/05/2026
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