Our systematic review & meta-analysis found that perioperative blood transfusion in patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery is associated with poorer short- and long-term postoperative outcomes. A fruitful Australia-Sweden collaboration, led by Prof Michelle Chew in Linkoping University. This is MSc candidate Fraser Morris' first publication - well done Fraser. doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2023.08.032