Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 8, 2026
Three-dimensional Navigation-guided, Prone, Single-position, Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion Technique
Published on: July 15, 2021
GLP-1 Agonist Use Leads to Earlier Return of Bowel Function Following Lumbar Fusion
Adam Fano1, Robert J Oris, Jonathan Dalton
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
Study Design:
Retrospective Cohort.
Objective:
To compare surgical outcomes and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) after lumbar fusion between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with versus without chronic preoperative glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist use.
Summary Of Background Data:
T2DM is a risk factor for adverse outcomes following spine surgery. GLP-1 receptor agonists are increasingly prescribed for patients with T2DM. However, few studies have investigated their impact on lumbar fusion outcomes.
Methods:
T2DM patients undergoing primary, elective posterior lumbar fusion were included; GLP-1 agonist use was identified. Demographic/surgical data were collected by manual chart review. Primary outcomes included surgical outcomes, complications, wound healing, and return of postoperative bowel function. Return of bowel function was defined as flatulence or a bowel movement. Secondary outcomes included PROMs. A Poisson regression predicting the day of postoperative return of bowel function was performed.
Results:
57 patients had preoperative GLP-1 agonist use, while 60 did not. Patients taking GLP-1 agonists were more commonly female (54.4% vs. 30.5%, P=0.016) and had higher mean body mass index (BMI) (34.6±5.96 vs. 32.6±6.08). Otherwise, the groups were demographically/surgically similar. Patients taking GLP-1 agonists demonstrated quicker return of bowel function (1.35±1.30 vs. 1.90±0.77 days, P=0.013). There were no differences in discharge disposition, length of stay, inpatient complications, postoperative wound abnormalities, or PROMs. Regression showed that GLP-1 agonist use independently decreased the time to return of bowel function (rate ratio: 0.69, P=0.028).
Conclusion:
This study suggests that chronic GLP-1 agonist use does not lead to inferior short-term outcomes or long-term PROMs following lumbar fusion. GLP-1 agonists may benefit the return of bowel function, potentially due to chronic gut motility adaptations and/or anti-inflammatory properties. Further study is required to support these findings.
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