Risk factors influencing transfusion rates in DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

Background: As the popularity of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction grows, there remains little information on the transfusion rate of this more technically challenging procedure. The purpose of this study was to examine the perioperative blood loss and patient characteristics of women undergoing DIEP flap breast reconstruction in an attempt to identify independent risk factors that predict increased blood loss and transfusion requirements.

Methods: A retrospective chart review identified 144 patients who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction performed at Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center between January of 2002 and July of 2009.