Anaesthesia essentials: Overview

Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are widely used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and/or obesity. The physiological actions of endogenous GLP-1, and synthetic GLP-1RAs include inhibition of gastric emptying. This has peri-procedural implications due to the potential increased risk of retained gastric contents which may result in pulmonary aspiration. There is a need for local evidence-based guidelines to best manage patients on GLP-1RAs and dual GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor co-agonists (GLP-1/GIPRAs) presenting for surgical and medical procedures requiring sedation or anaesthesia. A panel of experts was formed to consider the peri-procedural implications of GLP-1RA and GLP-1/GIPRA use and establish best practice recommendations based on the current evidence.We recommend that all patients should be asked about glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) and dual GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor co-agonist (GLP-1/GIPRA) use prior to anaesthesia or sedation for surgical and endoscopic procedures and be informed of the benefits and risks. We also recommend that GLP-1RAs and GLP-1/GIPRAs be continued in the peri-procedural period. Preprocedural diet modification with a 24-h clear fluid diet, followed by standard 6-h fasting, should be recommended for all patients receiving GLP-1RAs or GLP-1/GIPRAs. In patients who have not completed or are unable to have a 24-h liquid diet, risk stratification using gastric ultrasound or minimally sedated gastroscopy to assess gastric contents is recommended, as is the use of intravenous erythromycin. We cannot currently recommend using the absence of gastrointestinal symptoms for risk stratification, nor can we recommend an adequate cessation period for GLP-1RAs and GLP-1/GIPRAs to ensure gastric emptying has returned to baseline levels. This clinical guideline, developed by multiple professional bodies, outlines current best practice recommendations for patients taking GLP-1RAs and combined GLP-1/GIPRAs who require general anaesthesia, sedation and/or endoscopic procedures. The guide provides a structure for Australian and New Zealand primary health practitioners, gastroenterologists, surgeons, endocrinologists, anaesthetists and perioperative physicians to support clinical decisions in these patients.

Abstract
Background: Neuraxial blockade, typically guided by manual palpation, can be challenging in certain patient populations. Ultrasound-assisted neuraxial access has the potential to improve success rates, particularly for novice anaesthesiologists, though structured training programs in this technique are limited.

Methods: This multicentre, randomised controlled trial will evaluate the use of ultrasound-assisted neuraxial block, following a simulation-based training programme based on the mastery-learning approach. Participants, consisting of novice and senior anaesthesiologists, will receive training in either ultrasound-assisted or traditional manual palpation techniques. Performance will be assessed in a clinical setting during elective lower limb surgery. Statistical analyses will compare the clinical outcomes of ultrasound-assisted versus manual palpation techniques.

Results: The primary outcome is the success rate of the first spinal block attempt. Secondary outcomes include the number of attempts, needle redirections, time spent, and the need for additional interventions. Patient satisfaction and complications will be evaluated as tertiary outcomes.

Conclusion: This study may present the potential impact of a structured training program on anaesthesiologists' skills in ultrasound-assisted neuraxial access and potentially lead to better patient outcomes. By comparing ultrasound-assisted techniques with traditional manual palpation, the findings may lead to improvements in training methods and ultrasound-assisted approaches for neuraxial access.