Archive | 2021
Perioperative Anemia Management for the Onco-Surgical Patient
Abstract
Treating anemia in cancer patients in a perioperative setting remains challenging for the anesthesiologist. The prevalence of anemia in this population is common and multifactorial. Despite various etiologies (e.g., cancer-specific or treatment-specific), the presence of anemia remains an independent predictor of increased perioperative morbidity and mortality. The treatment options for anemic cancer patients in the perioperative period pose unique concerns. Intravenous iron is a newer treatment option, but large studies demonstrating its beneficial effect on long-term oncologic outcomes are lacking. Blood transfusion has been related to the risk of cancer recurrence. Cell salvage technology brings along concern for cancer metastases. Finally, as cancer patients are often immunocompromised, special consideration must be taken in the preparation of blood products administered (i.e., radiation and leukodepletion).