Module Release: Hook Update Deploy Tools
After working on several sites that were using hook_update_N() in install files to handle continuous site deployment by enabling modules, reverting features, updating menus and setting variables, we (CivicActions) built a handful of methods to more safely support that and issue better feedback when running `drush updb` or using update.php.
The module help or project page list the use examples. If you are using hook_update_N to deploy parts of your site. This module is worth considering. Hook Update Deploy Tools.