Long-term cosmetic outcomes of the slit-slide procedure for umbilical hernia repair in children

Purpose To assess the long-term cosmetic outcomes of the “slit-slide procedure”, designed to provide a more natural appearance for umbilical hernia repair, as perceived by the patients and their parents. Methods A total of 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 patient satisfaction survey questionnaire was mailed to the families ( n = 139), and there were 74 (53.2%) respondents. A questionnaire survey on postoperative appearance was also distributed to pediatric surgeons. Results The median age at the time of operation was 2.5 years (range, 2 months to 14 years) and the average median age at the time of answering the questionnaire was 6.25 years old (range, 2.5–14.8 years). The average median period of observation was 3.2 years (range, 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%). 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 effective and safe, but it achieves a satisfactory aesthetic outcome.