Perioperative management of a common disorder: hereditary haemochromatosis

Hereditary haemochromatosis is the commonest autosomal recessive disorder affecting Caucasian populations, and is readily diagnosed on the basis of elevated total body iron stores and genetic testing. Increased awareness of this disease in the community will hopefully prompt earlier testing and diagnosis. Treatment with regular phlebotomy is simple and effective and can prevent significant morbidity and mortality. Preoperative evaluation of patients with this disorder should consider the potential multisystem involvement in iron overload.