73 An Audit Evaluating the Management of Pre-Operative Anaemia in Elective Bowel Resections at Frimley Park Hospital

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Pre-operative anaemia is common within the surgical population, particularly those scheduled for elective bowel resections. National and local guidelines recommend the treatment of pre-operative anaemia, as it is an independent risk factor for poor post-operative outcomes, including length of stay in hospital. Method A retrospective study of all NHS patients over the age of 18 scheduled for an elective bowel resection at Frimley Park Hospital between 1st May-31st October 2019. Results 85 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 29 recorded as anaemic. Of these patients, 55% (n = 16) received iron replacement, all of which were intravenous and did not include mildly anaemic patients. The median rise in haemoglobin post-infusion was 14g/L, with only one patient achieving a normal haemoglobin. The median length of stay for patients with a normal haemoglobin was six days, which increased to eight for those with anaemia of any severity. A statistically significant relationship was found between severity of anaemia and increased length of stay, particularly in the female population. Conclusions Pre-operative anaemia was linked to increased length of stay in hospital. The findings support the intravenous treatment of all severities of anaemia pre-operatively and therefore suggest treating mild anaemia patients, as normalising their haemoglobin will improve outcomes.