Onphaloplasty: comparative study of techniques

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

The navel is central to the appearance of the abdomen, and it is important for the umbilical scar to have a natural aspect following abdominoplasty. The objective of this study was to compare three omphaloplasty techniques.

Method:

Forty-two patients undergoing abdominoplasty were grouped according to the technique used: in group O (n=19), the navel was resected in an oval shape and the abdominal flap incised in a vertical ellipse; in group U (n=11), the navel was resected in a short oval shape and the flap incised with an upper concavity; and in group Y (n=12), the navel was resected in a triangular shape and the flap incised in a “Y” shape. The groups were compared regarding complications and satisfaction of patients and the surgeon.

Results:

Three patients in group O had stenoses associated with pathological scars. A wide navel was more prevalent in the upper concave curve technique used in group U (36.36%), although the differences in prevalence rates were not statistically significantly. Pearson linear correlation test showed an association between patient dissatisfaction and navel enlargement (p=0.0003). Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The triangular scar group showed statistically better patient satisfaction than the upper concave curve technique (p <0.05). There was no statistical significance in patient satisfaction between oval scarring and the other methods. We found no significant difference in physician satisfaction with the three techniques.

Conclusion:

Patients who underwent the triangular technique experienced greater satisfaction than those who underwent the upper concave curve technique. Navel enlargement was the factor most related to patient dissatisfaction.

Keywords:
Abdominoplasty; Omphaloplasty; Satisfaction