Abstract
Reconstruction of the umbilicus after tumor excision is of great aesthetic importance for the patient. Methods for umbilical reconstruction have been described but do not provide elegant solutions to the problem. The method presented permits reconstruction using two opposing trapezoidal skin flaps at the excision margin. The umbilical cavity is restored by anchoring these flaps at the linea alba. This reconstruction was carried out on seven patients after melanoma excision of the umbilical area.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Breuninger H, Keilbach J, Haaf U (1993) Intracutaneous butterfly suture with absorbable synthetic suture material. Technique, tissue reactions, and results. J Dermatol Surg Oncl 19:607–610
Itoh Y, Arai K (1992) Umbilical reconstruction using a coneshaped flap. Ann Plast Surg 28:335–338
Miller MJ, Balch CM (1993) “Iris” technique for immediate umbilical reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg 92:754–756
Pitchon L, Rubenstein C (1993) A (more) simple technique for locating the umbilicus in abdominoplasty. Aust NZ J Surg 93:42–43
Sumfest JM, Mitchell ME (1994) Reconstruction of the umbilicus in exstrophy. J Urol 151:453–454