RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Gluteal fat grafting, colloquially known as Brazilian Butt Lift, has experienced a significant rise in popularity in recent years. Despite this increase, potential complications associated with the procedure have also been observed, necessitating a thorough examination of the current practices and outcomes. METHODS: This study collected experiences of a multidisciplinary group of surgeons through a detailed survey sent in April 2022. This study aimed to shed light on the practices employed by these surgeons, the frequency and types of complications they encounter, and the overall outcomes of their procedures. RESULTS: Of the 100 surgeons surveyed, 86 responded. The study identified that pulmonary fat embolism (PFE) was the most serious complication, with fatality due to PFE recorded at a rate of 1:23,878. Liposuction site seromas were the most common complications, with an overall rate of 2.45%. Although there were no overall differences in complications between plastic and non-plastic surgeons, plastic surgeons were found to have a sixfold increase in the odds of experiencing a liposuction seroma. The survey also revealed substantial practice variations, particularly regarding fat preparation methods, recipient-site preparation, antibiotic use, and postoperative care protocols. CONCLUSION: Despite known complications, a strong tendency to continue performing these procedures was observed among surgeons, demonstrating the sustained demand and acceptance of the procedure. This study underscores the need for continued surveillance and research to enhance the safety and effectiveness of gluteal fat grafts. The experiences and data gathered from practicing surgeons provide valuable insights, paving the way for refining techniques, building consensus, and facilitating informed discussions with patients about the risks and benefits of the procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The cancellation of clinical rotations (CRs) and implementation of virtual interviews (VIs) profoundly affected the residency selection process leading up to the 2021 NRMP Match. The authors investigated how these changes influenced the caliber of applicants taken by general surgery (GS) residency programs from the perspectives of program directors (PDs). METHODS: A 14 question, web-based electronic survey was emailed to PDs of ACGME-accredited GS residency programs. Questions sought program characteristics and PDs' perspectives regarding potential differences in subjective characteristics and clinical skills demonstrated by their 2021 Match class relative to previous resident classes. RESULTS: A total of 75 PDs (27.2%) responded to our survey. Most respondents observed no changes in residents' fit with their program (72.0%), communication skills (68.0%), responsiveness to clinical instruction and feedback (73.3%), work ethic (73.3%), and rotation evaluations (68.0%). Only 21.3% of PDs believed that VIs negatively impacted their ability to accurately assess applicant intangibles. Conversely, 56.0% of PDs reported that the cancellation of CRs in 2020 negatively affected residents' clinical competency at the start of residency. At 1-year following the 2021 NRMP Match, 30.7% of PDs reported that the clinical skills exhibited by their 2021 Match class were poorer than previous resident classes. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that VIs limited selection committees' ability to accurately assess applicant's subjective characteristics to a lesser degree than previously described in the literature. Canceled CRs adversely affected the 2021 Match Class's clinical skills at the start of residency and at 1 year following the 2021 NRMP Match.