OPTIMIZING PREOPERATIVE ANEMIA MANAGEMENT IN MOROCCAN SURGICAL PATIENTS: A SIMPLIFIED MULTIMODAL INTERVENTION TRIAL

Preoperative anemia, defined by a reduced hemoglobin level, is a common condition associated with a significantly increased risk of postoperative complications, including infections, impaired functional recovery, prolonged hospital stays, and higher mortality. Recognizing its impact on postoperative outcomes has made its management a priority in the surgical care pathway. Despite advancements in surgical techniques and perioperative management, optimizing modifiable preoperative factors particularly nutritional status and anemia remains essential. Current approaches, often integrated into Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, emphasize the importance of nutritional support and targeted correction of anemia through interventions such as iron supplementation, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and blood transfusion when necessary. In this context, our prospective study evaluates the effectiveness of a simplified, pragmatic multimodal intervention combining nutritional advice and accessible iron supplementation, with the aim of improving hemoglobin levels in anemic patients awaiting elective surgery. This context-adapted strategy could reduce the need for transfusion and improve surgical outcomes.