Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42213096›Full record

ReviewChirurgie (Heidelberg, Germany)2026

[The innovative FRANCIS method-A case report : Combination of abdominoplasty and sublay repair with preservation of the umbilicus in postpartum rectus diastasis and umbilical hernia].

Miriam Tobanelli, Herwig Pokorny, Peter Koo, Wenzel Czedik-Eysenberg, Matthias Hofmann

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In one paragraph

Review in Chirurgie (Heidelberg, Germany), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Miriam TobanelliChirurgische Abteilung, Franziskus Spital Margareten, Nikolsdorfergasse 32, 1050, Wien, Österreich. miriam.tobanelli@franziskusspital.at.
Herwig PokornyChirurgische Abteilung, Franziskus Spital Margareten, Nikolsdorfergasse 32, 1050, Wien, Österreich.
Peter KooChirurgische Abteilung, Franziskus Spital Margareten, Nikolsdorfergasse 32, 1050, Wien, Österreich.
Wenzel Czedik-EysenbergWiener Gesundheitsverbund, Klinik Ottakring, Wien, Österreich.
Matthias HofmannChirurgische Abteilung, Franziskus Spital Margareten, Nikolsdorfergasse 32, 1050, Wien, Österreich.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionPostpartum rectus diastasis and abdominal wall insufficiency frequently cause functional and aesthetic complaints, including impaired core stability, pain, postural disorders and psychosocial burden. Concomitant umbilical hernias often require surgical treatment. Although current guidelines recommend minimally invasive procedures with mesh reinforcement, many patients remain dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome. Therefore, treatment requires a combination of functional reconstruction and aesthetic restoration. Preservation of the umbilical viability represents a particular surgical challenge. For this purpose, the FRANCIS technique (females postpartum with rectus diastasis benefit from abdominoplasty in navel-sparing technique combined with intervention in sublay technique) was developed, combining a navel-sparing abdominoplasty with a retromuscular sublay reconstruction. MATERIAL AND

methodsThis report demonstrates the technique using an illustrative patient case. Developed at Franziskus Hospital Vienna, the procedure combines functional abdominal wall reconstruction with aesthetic optimization. Due to the specific vascular supply of the umbilicus, a precise intraoperative strategy is required to prevent ischemia or necrosis. The report describes the surgical procedure and the anatomical considerations necessary for the safe combination of both techniques.

resultsThe combination of retromuscular sublay repair and abdominoplasty proved to be safe and feasable. Restoration of abdominal wall integrity and contour was achieved while preserving umbilical viability. No perfusion-related complications occurred. The findings suggest potential improvements in postoperative quality of life.

conclusionThe FRANCIS technique combines functional reconstruction and aesthetic objectives while respecting the vascular anatomy of the umbilicus and represents a promising approach for postpartum patients with umbilical hernia and rectus diastasis.

Indexed as

AbdominoplastyDiastasis, MuscleHernia, UmbilicalPuerperal DisordersRectus AbdominisAbdominal WallAdultFemaleHumansUmbilicusAbdominoplastyNavel-sparingRectus diastasisSublayUmbilical hernia

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.