This condensed version of the revised S3 guideline provides a concise summary of evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and managing preexisting anaemia before surgery. The recommendations of the revised S3 guideline are based on an assessment of the evidence using the GRADE me-thodology for guideline formulation. Additionally, the article describes the risks of adverse outcomes associated with untreated preoperative anaemia in surgical patients.

This brief overview is intended to introduce readers to the topic, to highlight the main content of the revised S3 guideline, and to summarise the key changes compared with the previous version; see also Table 2. It is intended for physicians and health care professionals (HCP) who are involved in the care of patients scheduled for surgery, as well as for general practitioners who provide preoperative care and refer patients for inpatient surgical treatment.

The guideline was developed under the coordination and guidance of the German Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI). Details, including the full evidence review and all recommendations, can be found in the comprehensive guideline published by the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF).