Can Simple Preoperative Hemoglobin Testing Screen Symptomatic Anemia in Patients Undergoing Ambulatory Surgeries in Third World Countries?

Background: Patients coming for ambulatory surgeries are mostly healthy adults and asymptomatic anemia in these patients is rare. According to international standards, perioperative period is not an appropriate setting to screen and investigate the cause of asymptomatic anemia, but in third world countries where iron deficiency is rampant, it is generally required as per local hospitals policy to test hemoglobin levels prior to any surgery in order to prevent morbidity. The purpose of our study is to look at the prevalence of anemia in patient undergoing minor elective ambulatory surgeries. Method: This was a cross sectional observational study conducted at tertiary care unit, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 385 ASA-I (American Society of Anesthesiologist) and II patient’s age ranged 18 - 60 years, scheduled for day care surgical procedures were enrolled in the study. Results: Anemia was detected in 74 (19.2%) patients and its prevalence was found to be higher in females and in patients above 50 years of age. However, the presence of anemia did not have any influence on the perioperative outcomes or management. Conclusion: The routine preoperative hemoglobin testing does not have any effect on the perioperative outcomes in asymptomatic patients who are planned for elective day care surgeries.