A New Method of Umbilical Transposition

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Creating a natural-looking umbilicus during closure of the donor-site in abdominally based free flap breast reconstruction is a factor of satisfaction for both the patient and surgeon. We present a simple method of umbilical transposition that results in an aesthetic, natural-looking umbilicus. METHODS: From March 2011 to November 2014, fifty three consecutive female patients received abdominal flap breast reconstruction. Twenty patients (from March 2011 to February 2013) underwent umbilical transposition through a cross like incision in the abdominal flap, with fascial fixation sutures but no dermal flaps. Thirty three patients (March 2013 to November 2014) received umbilical transposition in the following method. An oval-shaped incision is made at the location of the new umbilicus on the abdominal flap. This oval is deepithelialized, and full-thickness incisions are made at the 2, 6, and 10 o'clock directions to create three triangular dermal flaps. These are pulled down to the abdominal fascia using sutures that pass through the umbilical stalk and the abdominal fascia at the 3, 9, and 12 o'clock directions. This results in an umbilical stalk lined with dermal flaps, creates a natural periumbilical concavity, and anchors the abdominal flap inward to minimize tension. The cranial flap enhances superior hooding. RESULTS: Patient and surgeon satisfaction, surveyed 2 months after surgery with a satisfaction scoring system, were higher in the dermal flap group. CONCLUSIONS: The technique using three dermal flaps in an oval skin incision is simple, relatively easy to learn, and results in an aesthetic, natural-looking umbilicus.