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.