Anemic or iron deficiency patients are randomized into treatment and placebo groups. Treatment (see below) will be given the day before the operation (day -1) or a maximum of 2 days prior to the operation (day -2) in iron deficiency patients and a maximum of 3 days prior to the operation in anemic patients (day -3). The treatment will not be disclosed to the patient or the health care workers treating the patients during and after the operation.