Gastric Emptying Recovery After GLP-1 RA Cessation

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) can delay gastric emptying and may increase residual gastric contents before general anesthesia. Current perioperative recommendations for withholding GLP-1 RAs (e.g., a fixed 7-day discontinuation for weekly agents) are largely consensus-based, and it is unclear whether gastric emptying normalizes abruptly after a single threshold interval. This prospective observational cohort study will evaluate how preoperative residual gastric content changes with increasing time since the last GLP-1 RA dose, using point-of-care gastric ultrasound performed immediately before induction of anesthesia. Time since last dose will be analyzed as a continuous exposure and across prespecified intervals (≤3 days, 4-7 days, ≥8 days). The primary outcome is ultrasound-estimated gastric volume normalized to body weight (mL/kg), derived from antral cross-sectional area. Secondary outcomes include the presence of a "high-risk stomach" based on gastric volume criteria and qualitative ultrasound findings. The study will also assess whether body mass index modifies the relationship between cessation interval and gastric volume, thereby supporting individualized perioperative risk assessment.

NCT Number	NCT07360262
Lead Sponsor	Wonkwang University Hospital
Conditions	Gastric Emptying, Gastroparesis, Preoperative Care
Enrollment	186 participants
Start Date	2025-11-20
Primary Completion	2025-12-10 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-01-12 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-01-23