ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BARIATRIC SURGERY AND IRON DEFICIEN ANEMIA: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Obesity is considered a public health problem and strategies for its treatment include lifestyle changes, pharmacological and/or surgical interventions. Despite the significant weight loss and reduction in comorbidities that follow bariatric surgery (BS), there are associated complications and nutritional risks, such as an increased risk of iron deficiency and, consequently, anemia. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and BS. This is an integrative literature review, with data collected between April and June 2023 in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo) and Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases, using the following health descriptors and combinations with Boolean operators: "Bariatric surgery AND iron-deficiency anemia"; "Bariatric Surgery AND Anemia Iron-Deficiency"; "Cirugía Bariátrica AND Anemia Ferropénica"; "Sleeve Gastrectomy AND Anemia"; "Gastric Bypass AND Anemia"; "Gastroplasty AND anemia". Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 articles were selected for the study. The most commonly performed procedures are laparoscopic gastric Y-of-Roux bypass (LYRGB) and vertical gastrectomy (GS). These procedures alter gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology, influencing the absorption of micronutrients, such as iron. Thus, patients become susceptible to developing IDA. RYGB presents a higher risk of developing IDA when compared to SG, which has been recommended as the best option from a nutritional point of view. Therefore, proper monitoring and supplementation become crucial elements in mitigating iron deficiency associated with BC, regardless of the technique used.