Umbilical appearance and patient/parent satisfaction over 5years of follow-up after umbilical hernia repair in children.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: We evaluated the long-term umbilical appearance and patient/parent satisfaction at follow-up after umbilical hernia repair (UHR).

METHODS: In a retrospective review of 128 children who underwent UHR and were followed up for over 5 years, satisfaction was assessed using e-mailed questionnaires and attached photographs of the umbilicus.

RESULTS: The survey response rate was 80.3% by parents, 79.5% by patients, and 72.1% using photographs. The median follow-up period was 7.6 (range, 5.3-10.1) years. The satisfaction rate was 78.9% among parents and 91.5% among patients; however, eight patients (8.5%) reported dissatisfaction with the results. The main reason for dissatisfaction was the shallow depth of the umbilicus (parents, 10/20; patients, 5/8). During the follow-up period, satisfaction increased in 14 cases (14.7%) and decreased in 10 cases (10.5%). Superior hooding was considered an ideal shape for the umbilicus. Concomitant laparoscopic surgery and higher age at surgery were significantly associated with dissatisfaction in parents (P = 0.045) and patients (P = 0.046), respectively. Large defect size was significantly associated with decreased satisfaction during the follow-up period (P = 0.030).

CONCLUSION: E-mail surveys are useful for long-term follow-up after UHR. Patients with these above risk factors should receive long-term follow-up with careful attention to patient satisfaction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Type of study: prognosis study, level II.