What is an Umbilectomy? Overview, Benefits, and Expected ⁣Results

Umbilectomy is a surgical⁤ procedure that involves the removal of⁣ the umbilicus (belly button). It is also known as an omphalectomy or ⁢umbilical⁣ hernia repair. The goal of this procedure is to remove an obstruction from the abdominal wall ​or to improve the ‌appearance⁣ of the area around the belly button.​ An umbilectomy is commonly performed in pediatric surgery to alleviate a structural problem like an umbilical hernia. In some cases, it is also performed ‌in adults to improve cosmetically ​a deformed belly button.

Overview of an Umbilectomy

An umbilectomy is a simple procedure that usually‍ takes ⁤1-2 hours. The surgery begins with an incision in the belly button region. The umbilicus is ⁤then carefully separated from the underlying tissue and its vessels and nerves are generally cut or ligated. The skin and underlying tissue is then re-approximated over the‌ area and held in place with sutures or staples.



The surgery may involve local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s age ​and condition. ‍The procedure is generally considered safe⁣ and ‍effective.

Benefits ​of an Umbilectomy

Umbilectomy is an⁢ effective treatment for a variety‍ of conditions and can​ help improve the quality of life for many patients. The ⁣most common conditions⁣ treated with an umbilectomy include:

• Umbilical hernias



• Hernias⁢ containing intestine, fat, or⁣ fluid



• Abnormal positioning of the umbilicus⁤ on the abdomen



• An Umbilicus with an ‍unusual shape or size



• Umbilicus with an overhanging skin flap

The benefits of an umbilectomy include:

• Improved ⁤functionality of the belly button



• Reduced risk of infection or complications associated with umbilical⁣ hernias



• Improved ⁣abdominal appearance



• Reduced pain, discomfort, and swelling



• Improved quality of life

Expected Results​ of an Umbilectomy

The expected⁢ results of​ an umbilectomy vary according to each individual patient. In most cases,‌ the following ⁢outcomes can be ​expected:

• Reduced pain, swelling, inflammation, and sensitivity in the umbilical area



• Reduced risk of⁢ infection or further complications arising ​from the hernia



• Aesthetically improved ⁣umbilicus with an ​improved contour and reduced skin flaps



• Improved functionality​ of the umbilicus



• Improved quality of life

Patients may experience ​some pain and discomfort during recovery, but this typically resolves with rest and over the counter medications. Avoiding strenuous activities for the first few weeks after the procedure is also recommended.

Complications of an Umbilectomy

Complications from an umbilectomy are uncommon but can include:

• Bleeding⁢ and infection



• Delayed healing or⁣ wound dehiscence



• Scarring or disfigurement



• Skin necrosis



• Bronchial‌ and cardiovascular complications



• Lymphoedema

Patients​ should seek⁢ medical attention immediately if they experience any signs of infection such as fever, redness, drainage, ⁤or increased pain and swelling.

Recovery and ​Aftercare

Recovery from an umbilectomy typically takes 4-6 weeks. The ​area around the umbilicus may also be tender during this time and should⁤ be kept clean and dry. Patients may also experience some discomfort, pain, numbness, or itching at the incision site.



Patients can help to facilitate their⁤ recovery by:

• Wearing loose clothing



• Avoiding strenuous activities or ⁢heavy lifting until fully healed



• Performing gentle stretching and exercises



• Applying ​hot or cold compresses to the area



• Notifying the doctor if they experience ‍any signs or symptoms of an infection or complication

Conclusion

An umbilectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the umbilicus (belly button). The procedure is⁢ performed ‍for a variety of conditions, such as umbilical hernias, abnormal positioning of the umbilicus, or an ‍umbilicus with an unusual shape or size. The benefits of the ⁤procedure include reduced pain, swelling, and infection, as well as improved functionality and cosmetic appearance. ​Recovery ​from an umbilectomy⁤ typically takes 4-6 weeks, and patients should⁣ take precautions to ensure a⁤ safe and successful recovery.

Definition and Overview

Umbilectomy, also referred to as omphalectomy, is a surgical procedure wherein the umbilicus or the belly button is removed typically due to large umbilical hernias.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

Umbilectomy is not a commonly conducted surgical procedure and is typically indicated for large umbilical hernias.

An umbilical hernia is a defect in the abdominal wall caused by the umbilical ring’s failure to close, which causes the abdominal contents to protrude out. The protruding abdominal contents, typically the intestines, are thus merely covered with the normal skin of the umbilicus and the underlying subcutaneous tissues. In the majority of cases, these hernias are small, and some may even close spontaneously. The condition is typically asymptomatic and presents as the umbilicus protruding out. Incarceration and strangulation of the abdominal contents are rare, but can occur. Incarceration presents with abdominal pain, a firm mass in the umbilicus, and signs of obstruction such as vomiting. Large umbilical hernias typically occur in patients who are obese and usually have associated lesions on the skin. In some instances, particularly in patients with ascites, these umbilical hernias can develop fissures or even rupture. These cases require urgent surgical intervention.

The presence of masses on the umbilicus may also require umbilectomy. Often, these masses are benign, such as cysts, lipomas or fibromas. Tumours arising from embryonic remnants such as the urachus may also occur. There have also been reports of endometriosis in the umbilicus. Treatment of these tumours usually involves surgery.

Umbilectomy may also be necessary for infections of the umbilicus. Most of these infections, such as omphalitis, can be managed conservatively with antibiotic therapy. Chronic infection and inflammation of the umbilicus, such as that caused by prolonged contact and irritation with a foreign body, may result in the formation of granulomas. If small, these may be managed with the application of creams containing silver nitrate. However, large granulomas may require excision. Progressive infections of the umbilicus may lead to the development of necrotising fasciitis, a dreaded condition resulting in gangrene that requires aggressive surgical debridement.

How is the Procedure Performed?

After routine prepping and antisepsis, an incision around the umbilicus, typically a transverse elliptical incision, is carried out. The incision may be extended to the supraumbilical or infraumbilical crease. In recent years, a laparoscopic approach to umbilectomy and repair of the underlying condition has also been utilised.

The umbilical area is then explored, making sure to evaluate all identifiable structures, such as the umbilical arteries, vein, and urachus. Excision or repair of the underlying pathologic condition is then performed. For large umbilical hernias, after the viscera has been mobilised and returned to the abdominal cavity, a prosthetic mesh may have to be implanted.

For abdominal wall closure, the fascia is mobilised and if possible, closed using running or interrupted sutures. Finally, the skin of the umbilicus is closed. As much as possible, a natural-appearing umbilicus should be re-created. An interrupted suture may be used to attach the umbilicus to the underlying fascia. In cases where the umbilical skin is redundant, partial excision or umbilicoplasty may be necessary. If the entire umbilicus has been removed, umbilical reconstruction and the creation of a neoumbilicus may have to be performed.

Possible Risks and Complications

Surgeries on the umbilicus are generally safe, and complications are usually related to the underlying pathology. Pain after the procedure is generally tolerable. Bleeding is rare, although the formation of a hematoma after the procedure may occur if a large cavity remains. Other complications are related to the wound, and may include infections and wound dehiscence, particularly in patients with infectious pathologies. These can usually be managed with proper dressing and antibiotic treatment. In cases of umbilical hernias, thinned out skin and subcutaneous tissues may lead to the erosion of the mesh, requiring subsequent removal.

Reference:

• Schwartz’s Principles of Surgery 9th edition
• Mastery of Surgery 5th edition
• Surgery of the Abdominal Wall

/trp_language]