Narrative Review of Perioperative Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists in Spine Surgery.

Abstract

Spine surgeons are increasingly likely to encounter patients taking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for glycemic control and/or weight loss. GLP-1 receptor agonists present an attractive option for helping patients meet hemoglobin A1C and body mass index goals before elective surgeries and have already been implemented for these purposes. It is imperative for spine surgeons to understand the potential risks and benefits of these drugs during the perioperative period and their influence on patient outcomes. This review provides an overview of the history of GLP-1 receptor agonists, their mechanism of action and efficacy as a diabetic and weight loss treatment, as well as the clinical relevance to the field of spine surgery. Further studies are required to truly understand the impact of these medications on spine surgery and in the management of these patients in the perioperative period.