Anesthesiology Clinics · Dec 9, 2025

Airway Management in the Age of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: New Challenges and Solutions

By Valkeniers K, Wallyn A, Van de Putte P et al.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have rapidly become commonplace in clinical practice as treatment for type II diabetes and obesity. Their mechanism of action results in an increased risk of residual gastric content, despite adequate preprocedural fasting, which may increase the risk of regurgitation and aspiration. This is particularly relevant for patients with preexisting comorbidities such as gastroparesis or who are undergoing procedures without definitive airway protection. This article summarizes the current evidence around GLP-1 RAs including a review of the various international consensus guidelines and gives structured recommendations for perioperative management and risk stratification.

doi.org/10.1016/j.anclin.2025.10.010PubMed 41781102Interventions