Two separate subcutaneous pedicled flaps for repair of total umbilical defects: a simple reconstruction technique

Total umbilical defects may occur after surgeries such as tumour excision. As the umbilicus is a well-recognized landmark in the abdomen, various reconstruction methods have been reported. We report an immediate reconstruction of the umbilicus using two different subcutaneous pedicled flaps from the lower abdomen, away from the umbilicus and the continuous cranial side. In this procedure, the caudal half to two-thirds of the umbilical fossa is reconstructed with a subcutaneous pedicled flap harvested from the lower abdomen, away from the defect. The rest of the cranial side is reconstructed with a subcutaneous pedicled V–Y advancement flap, continuous with the defect. From December 2016 to November 2018, three cases of umbilicus defects were reconstructed using this procedure. The deep umbilical fossa was reconstructed with good results in all the cases, without major complications. Although this procedure has some limitations, it is simple and easy, and the outcomes are positive. Level of evidence: Level V, Therapeutic.