Anemia is frequently seen in patients undergoing surgery, and patients with preoperative anemia are more likely to receive perioperative allogeneic blood transfusions than patients with normal hemoglobin levels. Allogeneic blood transfusions are associated with an increase in the rate of postoperative complications.

Evaluation of anemia should be performed in the preoperative period and begins with taking a detailed history and physical examination. All efforts must be used to correct anemia or reduce blood loss during surgery to avoid allogeneic blood transfusion. In this module we will discuss many scenarios commonly faced in perioperative practice.