A device and method for umbilicus protection during abdominal surgery;
and, especially plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery requiring
umbilicoplasty and/or umbilicus transposition is provided. The device
embodies an umbilicus shield, which envelops the umbilical pedicle during
abdominal surgery. The device can include a tubular element, having a
distal end and a proximal end, containing near its proximal end, means
for releasabley retaining suture material from tacking stitches taken in
the umbilicus to provide means for drawing the umbilical pedicle into the
tubular element. The suture material is advantageously drawn through the
tubular element by means of a suture shuttle which contains, proximate
its distal end, means for releasabley retaining the suture material. The
device facilitates umbilicoplasty and umbilicus transposition during
abdominal surgery; prevents nicks or cuts during circum umbilicus
dissection; prevents nicks, cuts, or amputation of the umbilicus during
defattening; and, reduces the possibility of umbilical pedicle
strangulation during rectus abdominis musculoaponeurotic plication. The
method prevents such strangulation and assures proper positioning of the
orifice and umbilicus during umbilicus transpositions.
