Laparoscopic-Assisted Relocation of the Umbilicus With Umbilicoplasty in Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction

Patients with complex abdominal wall pathology often present with significant distortion of their umbilicus. Ventral and umbilical hernias often create widening or protrusion of the umbilicus, while obesity and laxity of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal wall further exacerbates the deformity. The primary goal of hernia repair is always reduction of the hernia with a tension-free repair; however, an important secondary goal is esthetic improvement of the abdominal wall. Often, in patients with complex hernia defects involving the umbilicus, there is discussion of not salvaging the umbilicus altogether. Although this certainly remains an option for many patients, we present a technique that would not only allow for hernia reduction under direct laparoscopic visualization but also an improved esthetic to the umbilicus.