Neoumbilicoplasty in a Laparoscopic Port Site: Description of a New Technique and Review of Literature

The umbilicus contributes significantly to the cosmetic appearance of the abdomen especially in women. Loss of umbilicus may result not only in cosmetic disfigurement but also in significant psychological effects. Omphalectomy may accompany certain surgical procedures like ventral hernia repairs and abdominoplasty. For such patients, many techniques have been described by various authors in literature for creation of a neoumbilicus for good cosmetic appearance. In this report, we describe how a laparoscopic port site was utilized to create a neoumbilicus in a patient who required omphalectomy as a part of large umbilical hernia repair. Satisfactory postoperative result promted us to report this novel technique of neoumbilicus creation. This can be utilized in patients who have been previously subjected to laparoscopic procedures. This is the first case description in literature where a laparoscopic port scar was utilized for neoumbilicoplasty.