Addressing iron deficiency anemia before surgery is critical for recovery
New data shows: Addressing iron deficiency anemia before surgery is critical for recovery
New surgical findings underscore iron levels as a key part of any health checklist heading into a surgery. Because it is estimated that 23-45% of patients undergoing major surgery suffer from anemia, treating iron deficiency anemia significantly impacts outcomes and recovery.
The recommendations for screening and treatment of iron deficiency anemia prior to surgery need to be defined as critical. There are easy steps patients can take to optimize their experience:
Patient blood screening should start with the family doctor before any elective surgery consultation.
This screening should take place 6 to 8 weeks before the operation.
The threshold of 130 g/L of Hemoglobin should be the minimum target for both sexes. This would be a significant change in practice for females whose current WHO’s threshold for anemia is 120 g/L.
[ref: Drs. Clarissa P. Skorupski, Matthew C. Cheung, and Yulia Lin provide recommendations for Preoperative Anemia in Major Elective Surgery, April 17, 2023 article link]
By increasing the hemoglobin threshold to 130 m/L, the concept of normal levels becomes redefined and unbiased for females. According to Dr. Michelle Sholzberg, Division Head of Hematology-Oncology at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto,
“The impact is huge and multifaceted because essentially laboratory-based thresholds are what define our concepts of normal as clinicians…and when a result comes from the lab and it is flagged or not flagged, that really shapes our view of the patient and their experience.”
This change helps to combat the normalization of anemia in females, which can lead to untreated iron deficiency - especially in the reproductive years. The menstruation cycle alone creates a loss of 15 to 20 mg of elemental iron, with each pregnancy resulting in the loss of one gram. Equal to 177 large steaks, it is impossible to eat your way out of iron deficiency in pregnancy!
Even in the absence of anemia, iron deficiency can impact overall health-related quality of life. This can show up in several ways, including fatigue, lower IQ, lower exercise tolerance, and diminished cardiovascular reserve. For all these reasons, the threshold by which it is measured is important.
Learn more details by tuning into the CMAJ Podcast “Rethinking Preoperative Anemia: Challenging WHO Guidelines and Targeting Hemoglobin levels in Major Elective Surgery”, hosted by Dr. Blair Bigham and Dr. Mojola Omole. Check out the podcast.
How Does Mainline Wellness Fit In?
At Mainline Wellness, we are focused on improving the awareness and understanding of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in Canada to help more patients get the help they need – preoperative or otherwise.
We are committed to offering safe, timely, and accessible ER physician and nurse supervised iron infusions. Speak to your healthcare provider to see if iron infusions may be helpful for you. Treatment can begin within one week.
Iron Infusions
Mainline has become synonymous with expertise, safety and efficiency when it comes to iron infusions in the Lower Mainland.
Iron deficiency can be caused by a variety of conditions including pregnancy, heavy or irregular menstrual cycles, GI illness, cardiac and renal issues, cancer and more.
All of our infusions are administered by ER trained Registered Nurses with Emergency Physician guidance and supervision.
Patient Safety
Mainline Wellness is run according to the B.C. College of Physicians and Surgeons Class 3 Facility Safety and Equipment Guidelines.