Major surgery can result in a significant amount of blood loss and a drop in your hemoglobin level. Anemia occurs when the level of red blood cells or hemoglobin in your blood falls below normal. Hemoglobin is one of the most important proteins in the body because it is the red-coloured part of your red blood cell that carries oxygen from the lungs to your body's tissues. If you are anemic and have fewer red blood cells or low hemoglobin, you may have less energy and become tired easily. Treating the anemia and managing blood issues will help prepare your body for surgery and recovery.

There are a number of ways to manage blood loss, several of which are,

• Allogeneic Blood Transfusion (receiving someone else's blood)
• Autologous Blood Transfusion (donating your own blood ahead of time for use during or after surgery)
• Intra-operative Blood Salvage (recycling your blood during surgery
• Hemodilution (conserving your red blood cells just prior to surgery beginning)
• Medications (talk to your doctor about the medication options available today)