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Updated: Jun 14, 2025

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Operation in Rats
Published on: June 11, 2012
A systematic review of the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in surgery
Jacqueline M H Ihnat1, Heloise De Baun2, Gabriel Carrillo1
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
Background:
Surgeons are likely to encounter patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and should be aware of any associated risks or complications. Here we review the existing literature on GLP-1RA use as it pertains to non-bariatric surgeons.
Methods:
A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Three databases were queried for articles discussing the use of GLP-1RAs in a surgical context. Articles went through two rounds of manual screening.
Results:
21 articles were included in analysis, which found that pre-operatively, GLP-1RAs can aid patients in meeting the BMI threshold for surgery. Peri-operatively, GLP-1RAs were associated with improved glycemic control and lower intraoperative insulin use. Complications such as delayed gastric emptying and increased rates of hypoglycemic events were reported.
Conclusion:
Surgeons may leverage GLP-1RAs to help prepare patients for surgery and should understand potential surgical complications associated with the use of these medications and to screen preoperative patients appropriately.
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