Implications of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery: A Review

Brady J Anderson; Douglas J Van Daele; Alexander D Claussen; Zachary Tanenbaum; Scott R Owen

doi:10.1177/00034894261450724

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Implications of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery: A Review

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Implications of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery: A Review

Brady J Anderson, Douglas J Van Daele, Alexander D Claussen, Zachary Tanenbaum and Scott R Owen

Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology

05/13/2026

DOI: 10.1177/00034894261450724

PMID: 42126155

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Abstract

The number of patients taking glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) is increasing. Beyond diabetes and weight management, these medications have various effects within the head and neck with both beneficial and potentially adverse clinical implications. Delayed gastric emptying may contribute to reflux, chronic cough, and potential aspiration in the perioperative setting; as such, physicians should be aware of anesthetic guidelines (duration of pre-operative cessation, pre-operative fasting or liquid diet) to improve safety and avoid operative delay. GLP-1RAs have shown benefit in treating obstructive sleep apnea in those with obesity or overweight and may become increasingly relevant in multimodal treatment of sleep disorders. GLP-1 receptor signaling is involved in sinopulmonary inflammatory cascades and recent evidence suggests clinical implications for chronic sinusitis and olfactory disorders. Previously reported neuroprotective effects have led to investigation regarding potential benefit in neurotoxicity-associated hearing loss. Muscle atrophy with weight loss may contribute to a gaunt, aged appearance leading patients to seek facial rejuvenation, or to a patulous eustachian tube and changes in conductive hearing. Animal studies suggested an increased risk of thyroid cancer, but population studies have been inconclusive and will require long-term investigation to determine any causal relationship.

Thyroid Cancer

obstructive sleep apnea

glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist

tirzepatide

semaglutide

Details

Title: Subtitle: Implications of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery: A Review
Creators: Brady J Anderson - University of Iowa
Douglas J Van Daele - University of Iowa
Alexander D Claussen - University of Iowa
Zachary Tanenbaum - University of Iowa
Scott R Owen - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology
DOI: 10.1177/00034894261450724
PMID: 42126155
NLM abbreviation: Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol
ISSN: 1943-572X
eISSN: 1943-572X
Publisher: Sage
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 05/13/2026
Academic Unit: Communication Sciences and Disorders; Radiation Oncology; Medicine Administration; Otolaryngology
Record Identifier: 9985163699902771

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