The use of iron after surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Anaemia in patients having surgery is associated with worse postoperative outcomes. Management with intravenous iron is an attractive therapeutic option, however, pre-operative intravenous iron administration is challenging. Evidence from interventional trials suggests that the greatest benefit is after hospital discharge. As anaemia is common after surgery, this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative iron therapy to increase haemoglobin levels.