• HSS researchers presented two preoperative stomach-assessment studies at the 2026 ESRA Congress as GLP-1 and cannabis use rises.
• GLP-1 analysis indicated extended fasting can lower the chance of a non-empty stomach before surgery, without fully removing aspiration risk.
• Cannabis study found inconsistent readings among experienced clinicians reviewing gastric ultrasound images, undermining confidence in current criteria.
• Findings point to higher clinical uncertainty, likely supporting more individualized perioperative decisions rather than blanket fasting or ultrasound rules.

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