title: Umbilical reconstruction in children: a simplified operative technique.
abstract: The umbilicus has a paramount aesthetical function for the abdomen and when removed due to a surgical procedure, an umbilicoplasty is mandatory: indeed, its absence could contribute to the development of psychological disorders, especially in childhood. Herein, we describe a straightforward technique to obtain a seemingly natural umbilical scar. This technique, easily taught in a general pediatric surgery environment, may be amenable for any kind of umbilical reconstruction.
  
  
  METHODS
  This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency, Critical Area and Pediatric Surgery, University of Florence and Children's University Hospital "A. Meyer", Florence, Italy.
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bongini
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tanini
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Messineo
authors.forename: Flavio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Facchini
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ghionzoli
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006099:Granuloma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014472:Umbilicus / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014497:Urachus / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*