Perioperative Care
Preoperative Anaemia
We are currently developing our pre-operative anaemia pathways. Our aim is to ensure patients have a full blood count as early as possible in the surgical pathway.
Blood samples are taken at endoscopy or the first appointment with the surgical team so that results are avaliable for preassessment. Ferritin levels are also routinely checked if there is a history of anaemia.
Patients with a Hb <120g/L are currently referred to our Medical Elective Suite for IV Iron prior to surgery.
General Recommendations
- Screen for anaemia as early as possible in the pre-operative period.
- Depending on timescales treat with oral or intravenous iron.
- Optimise anaemia to avoid the potential harmful effects of blood transfusion.
