Abstract
BACKGROUND: The increased use of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor antagonists (GLP1RAs), associated with the increasing prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, has raised concerns for delayed gastric emptying and increasing risks of complications during endoscopic procedures. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of retained gastric content (RGC) and related complications in patients taking GLP1RAs undergoing upper endoscopies. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed involving 218 adults on GLP1RAs undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy between June 2013 and June 2023 in the Baylor Scott & White Health system, with analysis of frequency of RGC and related adverse events among this population. RESULTS: RGCs were seen in 20.6% of the patients, with nine procedures terminated prematurely, one aspiration event, and one intraprocedural intubation. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that there is a high prevalence of RGCs in patients taking GLP1RAs, although a low incidence of severe complications or adverse outcomes during endoscopy.