Change of appearance and satisfaction after umbilical hernia repair in children - Long-term follow up of Slit-Slide procedure

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The cosmetic outcomes of surgery for umbilical hernia are not always satisfactory. Reports of the long-term outcome of patient satisfaction are poorly documented because the umbilical shape changes after surgery due to growth. The aim of this study is to clarify the long-term cosmetic satisfactory outcome of both parents and patients who underwent “slit-slide procedure,” which is designed to provide a more natural appearance. Methods From 2010 to 2019, 149 patients with umbilical hernia underwent the slit-slide procedure at our hospital. The “slit-slide procedure” allows for the creation of an umbilicus with a more natural and integrated appearance. The questionnaire of the patient satisfaction survey was sent by mail (n = 139), and responses were obtained from 74 (53.2%) respondents. A questionnaire survey on postoperative appearance was also distributed to pediatric surgeons. Results The median age at the operation was 2.5 old (2 months to 14 years). The average median age at the time of answering the questionnaire was 6.25 years (2.5 to 14.86). The average median period of observation was 3.2 years (4 months to 8.97 years). Most patients (89.2%) and parents (93.2%) were satisfied with the appearance of the umbilicus. Twenty-seven patients reported improved satisfaction after surgery (36.2%). In most patients, the umbilicus had an oval appearance after the slit-slide procedure. Surgeons tended to score the elongated oval shape highly; however, there was no difference in satisfaction among the shapes. Conclusion The slit-slide procedure is not only radical and safe but also achieves a satisfactory aesthetic outcome.