Fascia turnover procedure at breast reconstruction using free TRAM flap for decreasing umbilical migration

The ideal umbilical position is midway between the two iliac crests. Some patients complained that the umbilicus position shifted from the midline after the breast reconstruction with a free muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (MS-TRAM) flap. We considered that the fascia of the external oblique muscle could be applied to the rectus abdominis fascia defect. This study aimed to introduce this "fascia turnover procedure" and compare the umbilical position in this procedure with that in primary fascial closure for the MS-TRAM flap of breast reconstruction.

A total of 152 patients were enrolled (80 patients with fascia turnover (+) vs. 72 patients (-)). The patients' demographics were compared. Horizontal distances (right side: a; left side: b) were measured bilaterally from the lateral abdominal wall to the center of the umbilicus. Frontal abdominal photographs were taken preoperatively (a₁, b₁) and postoperatively (a₂, b₂). The rate of umbilical migration (= | (a₁ - b₁) / (a₁ + b₁) - (a₂ - b₂) / (a₂ + b₂) | × 100%) was calculated. Because the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle is confirmed in front of the lateral side of the anterior rectus sheath, this procedure could be performed in cases with a medial defect.

No significant differences in the patients' demographics, including abdominal bulging rates and abdominal wall defect widths were observed between the two groups. The rate of umbilical migration showed a significant difference (median 1.78% vs. 3.70%, P < 0.001).

This procedure could decrease the rate of umbilical migration.