HbA1c Levels and Gastric Emptying Assessed by Gastric Ultrasound

This prospective observational study is designed to evaluate the relationship between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and gastric emptying in adult surgical patients using bedside gastric ultrasonography.

Adult patients aged 18 to 70 years, scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia, will be enrolled. After standard preoperative fasting according to current guidelines, all participants will undergo a preoperative gastric ultrasound examination performed by a trained anesthesiologist. The gastric antrum will be assessed in standardized positions, and the antral cross-sectional area will be measured. Estimated gastric volume will be calculated using validated ultrasound-based formulas.

HbA1c levels will be obtained from preoperative laboratory records, and patients will be analyzed according to their HbA1c values. Gastric ultrasound findings, including antral cross-sectional area and estimated gastric volume, will be compared across different HbA1c levels.

Demographic data, anthropometric measurements including body mass index and waist circumference, fasting duration, and relevant clinical characteristics will also be recorded. The primary objective is to assess the association between HbA1c levels and gastric emptying parameters. Secondary analyses will explore potential factors associated with delayed gastric emptying.

The results of this study may contribute to improved preoperative risk assessment for pulmonary aspiration and support individualized anesthetic management in patients with impaired glycemic control.

Inclusion criteria

Adults aged 18 to 70 years. ASA physical status I-III. Scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia. Ability to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

Scheduled for emergency surgery. Refusal or inability to provide informed consent. Pregnancy. Age <18 years or >70 years. History of gastric surgery. Neuromuscular disease. Current use of opioid or anticholinergic medications.