Iron deficiency anemia is associated with gastrectomy used in the treatment of peptic ulcers and gastric cancer, and also in bariatric surgery for the treatment of obesity. Bariatric surgery involves restrictive and bypass procedures, gastrectomy and small intestine resection. There are several reasons why iron deficiency occurs in these patients including: (1) diminished iron intake due to meat intolerance (2) diminished gastric acid secretion due to loss of parietal cells which impairs the solubilization of ferric iron to form ferrous iron and (3) exclusion of the duodenum with consequent elimination of the main site of iron absorption and restriction in the action of pancreatic enzymes to release iron bound to the heme. Early clinical evaluation and use of iron supplements may be effective to prevent iron deficiency anemia in this population. Patients who remain refractory to oral supplementation may require parenteral iron administration. All patients require periodical and lifelong follow-up of hematological and iron parameters.
Anemia, iron-deficiency; gastrectomy; bariatric surgery