Predictors and consequences of perioperative blood transfusions in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction.

Bleeding disorders, diabetes, bilateral reconstruction, lower preoperative hemoglobin, urgent reoperation, and hematoma were independently associated with increased transfusion risk.

Perioperative transfusions were independently associated with donor site dehiscence.

These findings highlight the importance of preoperative optimization and careful intraoperative fluid management, and underscore that blood transfusions, although often necessary, are not without consequences.