Gastric ultrasound revealed that semaglutide users had more residual stomach content than non-users despite adhering to standard fasting protocols.
30 volunteersGastric ultrasound study showing residual stomach content in semaglutide users despite standard fasting
What the researchers found
Semaglutide users had more residual gastric content than controls on ultrasound despite following standard 8-hour fasting protocols.
Why it matters
Residual stomach content increases aspiration risk during anesthesia — this has major implications for surgical planning in GLP-1 drug users.
The numbers in context
N=30 (15 semaglutide, 15 controls); semaglutide within 7 days; 73% vs 7% full stomach after standard fasting; minimum 8-hour solid food fast.
How the study worked
Observational cross-sectional study using gastric ultrasonography in 30 fasting volunteers (15 semaglutide users, 15 controls).
Who was studied
Adult volunteers, half on semaglutide within the prior 7 days
What this study cannot tell us
Small sample (30 total). Single center. Cross-sectional design. Specific semaglutide doses not detailed.
How to read the evidence
Small observational study — supports existing safety concerns but larger studies needed for definitive fasting guidelines.
When this study was published
Published in 2025, contributing to the urgent debate about peri-operative GLP-1 drug management.
The bigger picture
This supports the growing concern that standard pre-operative fasting guidelines may be insufficient for patients on GLP-1 drugs.
Questions still open
- Should fasting times be extended for semaglutide users before surgery?
- Does the residual content volume reach clinically dangerous levels?
Common questions
Should I stop semaglutide before surgery?
Why is stomach content dangerous during anesthesia?
Read the original research
Evaluation of gastric content in fasting patient during semaglutide use: an observational study.
Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 21(2), 146-151
Citation
Queiroz, Veronica Neves Fialho; Falsarella, Priscila Mina; Chaves, Renato Carneiro de Freitas; Francisco Neto, Miguel Jose; Silva, João Manoel; Araújo, Guilherme Freitas; Takaoka, Flávio; Pfeilsticker, Flávia Julie do Amaral; Mendes, Guilherme Falleiros; Garcia, Rodrigo Gobbo. (2025). Evaluation of gastric content in fasting patient during semaglutide use: an observational study.. Surgery for obesity and related diseases : official journal of the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, 21(2), 146-151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2024.08.039