Umbilicoplasty with 3 triangular skin flaps and excised diamond-shaped skin flap

Purpose

In cases of large umbilical hernias, standard surgical techniques have proven inadequate for diminishing the diameter of the umbilicus. We have modified the 3- and 4-triangular-skin-flap techniques to diminish the diameter of the umbilicus and achieve a cosmetically acceptable umbilicus.

Materials and Methods

Umbilicoplasty was performed in 149 children (median age, 2.5 years; range, 3 months-10 years) between 2003 and 2008. We created 4 skin flaps 1.5 cm in length on the umbilicus and excised the cranial diamond-shaped skin flap. After closure of the fascial defect, the diameter of the umbilicus was diminished by suturing the opened cranial part of the diamond-shaped skin flap vertically. The tips of the 3 remaining flaps were then anchored to the closed fascia.

Results

Postoperatively, granulation tissue occurred in 18 cases (12%), transient erythema of a flap in 15 cases (10%), and bulging of a skin flap in 15 cases (10%). These complications were reduced by suturing adjoining skin flaps. No recurrent hernias were encountered. The postoperative umbilical appearance was satisfactory in all cases.

Conclusion

This surgical technique is effective for diminishing the diameter of the umbilicus and creating a cosmetically acceptable shaped umbilicus, even for large umbilical hernias.