Neoumbilicoplasty With a Pedicled Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Island Flap

Ann Plast Surg. 2018 Aug;81(2):148-151. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000001479.

Abstract

Management of the umbilicus is a common dilemma at the time of abdominoplasty and abdominal wall reconstruction. It is not uncommon for underlying pathologies, such as hernias and surgical scars, to result in a disfigured or obliterated native umbilicus or make the blood supply to the umbilical stalk unreliable. In these scenarios, the umbilicus is often sacrificed. Staged neoumbilical reconstruction may be offered and typically utilizes a small skin flap and full-thickness skin graft (Ann Plast Surg 2009;63:358-360). Our technique, in contrast, permits reconstruction of the neoumbilicus in the immediate setting utilizing normally discarded skin with a robust blood supply from a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator. In this series of 13 consecutive neoumbilicoplasties, the pedicled deep inferior epigastric artery perforator island flap provided reliable results and favorable aesthetic outcomes.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Abdominoplasty / methods*
  • Adult
  • Epigastric Arteries / surgery*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Perforator Flap / blood supply*
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Umbilicus / blood supply
  • Umbilicus / surgery*