Change in clinical practice would have clear benefits for patients undergoing major bowel surgery, according to analysis. The study provides evidence that giving iron intravenously before colorectal surgery improves outcomes for patients, reducing the need for blood transfusion by 33%. Anemia is a common problem in patients undergoing bowel surgery due to bleeding from the gut and blood loss during the operation. Anemia is also associated with feeling tired and unwell, a slower recovery and other complications after surgery. Blood transfusion is used when blood levels are low, but there has been concern that colorectal cancer patients may have higher...