Interventions for iron deficiency with or without anaemia in visceral surgery: recommendations for future research

Iron deficiency (ID) is the leading cause of anaemia. Numerous studies have shown the success of preoperative iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) management on improving patient outcomes.1–3 Preoperative iron supplementation protocols and outcome measures vary across studies, resulting in differences in inclusion criteria, study endpoints, and ultimately outcome data.4–6 Consequently, comparison between studies and the formulation of clear recommendations remain challenging. This is particularly relevant in visceral surgery, which involves both solid organ surgery and gastrointestinal surgery, placing patients at high risk for excessive intraoperative bleeding.