Anemia & Surgery

Information Handout
Provided by the National Anemia Action Council, Inc., a nonprofit corporation.
Anemia& Surgery
What is anemia?
What are the effects of untreated anemia in surgery patients?
Anemia is a below-normal level of hemoglobin* or
Anemia after surgery has been linked to a higher risk of
hematocrit*. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells
infection, a longer need for breathing assistance with a
that carries oxygen to all parts of the body. Anemia can
ventilator, and higher death rates than seen in people who do
be a temporary condition, a consequence of other health
not have anemia after surgery.4,5-7 Patients who have anemia
conditions, or it can be a chronic problem. People with mild
before surgery, are more likely to need blood transfusions,
anemia may not have any symptoms or may have only mild
have long hospital stays, and die during or after surgery than
symptoms. People with severe anemia may have problems
those who do not have anemia.5,8-10 Appropriate management
carrying out routine activities and can feel tired or experience of anemia may be life saving in some circumstances and these
shortness of breath with activity.1
findings suggest that your anemia should be treated before
elective surgery.
How common is anemia in surgery patients?
Studies have shown anemia is present in 56% of patients
How do I know if I have anemia?
before surgery (depending on the type of problem they are
The best way to determine if you have anemia is to discuss
having surgery for and their overall health).1 After surgery,
your blood counts and changes in hemoglobin and hematocrit
anemia is even more common, affecting 90% of patients.2,3
with your doctor. Symptoms usually develop when anemia is
moderate to severe, and can include fatigue, weakness, pale
What causes anemia in surgery patients?
skin, chest pain, dizziness, irritability, numbness or coldness
Anemia may be present before surgery, especially in people
in your hands and feet, trouble breathing, a fast heartbeat,
who have cancer, or other chronic diseases. A major cause is
and headache. It is important to see your doctor on a regular
the inflammation associated with these conditions. Inflamed
basis in order to be tested for possible anemia.
tissues secrete small proteins that have effects on iron
metabolism, bone marrow, and erythropoietin production
What treatments are available to help me?
by the kidneys (a hormone that controls production of red
Medications that stimulate the production of red blood
blood cells). Because hemoglobin is carried by red cells, when cells have been approved to correct pre-surgery anemia and
there are not enough red cells, hemoglobin is not able to
have been shown to reduce transfusions in anemic patients
deliver enough oxygen to your body’s organs.2,3 Another cause whose surgery involves large amounts of blood loss. These
of anemia before surgery is low levels of iron due to internal
medications are most effective when given three to four weeks
bleeding. Bleeding episodes and drawing blood for frequent
before surgery, so it is important to know if you are anemic
blood tests can also contribute to anemia after surgery.1
as soon as possible. Close communication with your doctor
will help him or her provide the treatment that is best for you
based on what is causing the anemia.
Continued...
*Normal Lab Values: Normal hemoglobin >12 g/dL for women, >13 g/dL for men; normal hematocrit >36% for women, >39% for men.
NAAC-1208-301
Improving the Lives of People with AnemiaTM

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Information Handout
Provided by the National Anemia Action Council, Inc., a nonprofit corporation.
Anemia& Surgery ...Continued
Glossary
References
Blood transfusion: Transfer of blood or any of its parts to a
1. National Anemia Action Council. Anemia: A Hidden Epidemic. Los
person
Angeles, CA: HealthVizion Communications, Inc; 2002.
Bone marrow: Soft, spongy tissue found in bone cavities;
2. Clemens J, Spivak J. Surgery. 1994;115:510-515.
responsible for production and storage of most blood cells, as 3. Dunne J, et al. J Surg Res. 2002;102:237-244.
well as storage of iron
4. Rady M, et al. Crit Care Med. 1998;26:225-235.

5. Faris P, et al. Orthopedics. 1999;22(suppl 1):S135-S140.
Erythropoietin: Hormone that regulates red blood cell
6. Nelson A, et al. Crit Care Med. 1993;21:860-866.
production
7. Hogue C, et al. Transfusion. 1998;38:924-931.
Hematocrit: Percentage of red blood cells in a blood sample
8. Dunne J, et al. J Surg Res. 2002;102:237-244.
Hemoglobin: Protein carried by red blood cells that
9. Carson J, et al. Lancet. 1996;348:1055-1060.
transports and delivers oxygen throughout your body
10. Gruson K, et al. J Orthop Trauma. 2002;16:39-44.
Iron metabolism: Body’s process of handling iron
Ventilator: Machine that breathes for a person when their
lungs cannot work properly
NAAC’s Online Resources for Patients & Consumers (www.anemia.org)
Information Handouts – Educational handouts describing anemia caused by different conditions including: aging, cancer,
diabetes, vitamin deficiency, chronic kidney disease and more; free print or download access
Frequently Asked Questions – Answers to patients’ common questions regarding anemia
Anemia Glossary – Definitions for medical terms relating to anemia which are used in NAAC’s educational material
Feature Articles – Short articles covering anemia-related topics for patients, caregivers and allied healthcare providers
Anemia Watch – Our free quarterly e-newsletter covering current anemia-related topics and news
Anemia Symptoms Quiz – Printable questionnaire to fill out and take to a physician
Information Handout Disclaimer
This educational material is designed to assist you in your discussion with health care professionals. It is not intended for use as the primary basis for medical judgments or deci-
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or transmitted with consent from and proper attribution to NAAC. The content of this handout was developed independently and without any input from the sponsors.
Improving the Lives of People with AnemiaTM

www.anemia.org

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