To Ablate or Not to Ablate: Does Umbilectomy Decrease Donor-Site Complications in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?

[BACKGROUND] Improving outcomes for deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction is an evolving area of interest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of umbilectomy in abdominally based breast reconstruction.

[METHODS] This retrospective study evaluated postoperative outcomes of patients who underwent autologous DIEP flap breast reconstruction at an academic center between January of 2015 and December of 2021 performed by one of two reconstructive surgeons. The primary outcome variable was abdominal donor-site complications. A secondary outcome variable was treatment outcomes for complications. Covariates included demographic information, comorbidities, cancer treatment, and smoking.

[RESULTS] A total of 408 patients underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction, with 194 (47.5%) undergoing umbilectomy. Umbilectomy resulted in decreased number of total wounds per patient (0.35 ± 0.795) compared with umbilical preservation (0.75 ± 1.322; P < 0.001), as well as decreased associated risk of any reported wounds (OR, 0.530; P = 0.009). Associations that trended toward significance occurred between umbilectomy and minor wound separation and partial necrosis, with both showing decreased risk. A significant association was noted between umbilectomy and donor-site seroma [χ 2 (1) = 6.348; P = 0.016], showing an increased risk (OR, 5.761).

[CONCLUSIONS] Umbilectomy should be discussed with patients and considered as a part of DIEP flap breast reconstruction given the reduction in the risk of abdominal donor-site wounds. Although umbilectomy decreases the rate of wounds, it can increase the risk of seroma; therefore, other interventions, such as progressive tension sutures, may be explored to aid in reducing seroma and improving wound healing.

[CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE] Therapeutic, III.