Postoperative anemia: prevention without cure is not enough

Abstract

Postoperative anemia is common after major surgery. It is largely overlooked, and often considered a benign but inevitable outcome of surgery. However, it has an impact on postoperative complications, unplanned readmissions after surgery, recovery time and return to intended oncological treatment. While all international guidelines and consensus statements focus on preoperative anemia management and intraoperative blood loss limitation, there is little advice on postoperative anemia treatment. This commentary provides an overview on key considerations for postoperative anemia and its management.