The Effect of Preoperative Anemia on Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality in Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery

INTRODUCTION: Anemia is common in patients undergoing thoracic surgery due to three main risk factors including iron deficiency, chronic disease and iatrogenic factors, all of which can be prevented and treated. Our hypothesis was that the incidence of anemia may be higher than expected and associated with perioperative complications. METHODS: The data belonging to a total of 107 adult patients were included in the final analysis. We recorded demographic features, pre- and postoperative laboratory findings, comorbidities, blood transfusion rates, complications, mortality, type of surgery, rate of re-exploration,and duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: The incidence of anemia was 43.9%, being higher in men with 57.4 percent. Anemic patients had a significantly prolonged hospital stay, higher rate of ICU hospitalizations, higher levels of pre- and postoperative creatinine and lower levels of postoperative Hb, Htc and preoperative INR (p<0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Even though the rate of mortality was not affected, anemia was associated with a higher rate of ICU admission and longer hospital stay. In order to reduce anemia-induced perioperative complications, the treatment of preoperative anemia should be considered for thoracic surgery patients.