Will my child have pain?
Prior to closing the incision, the surgeon will inject a small amount of numbing medicine into the wound. This will minimize the amount of discomfort immediately post-operatively. A small amount of pain at the incision site is expected after an operation. Minimally invasive surgery will likely diminish the pain your child experiences.

You may give your child Tylenol (Acetaminophen) according to the package instructions. Please do not give Aspirin or Motrin. Sometimes, your surgeon may order a prescription medication. Please use as directed.

What can my child eat?
Sometime children vomit after surgery. Encourage your child to drink liquids, then offer small amounts of bland food. Your child may then progress to a regular diet. If vomiting persists, please call our office.

How should I care for the incision?
The incision is closed with absorbable stitches under the skin to ensure a good cosmetic result. These types of sutures do not have to be removed. The incision is also closed with steri-stips (paper like bandages) and covered with a Tegaderm (a thin sheet of plastic). Keep this clean and dry. Do not remove the dressing, it will be removed during your follow-up visit. If moisture is seen under the dressing after 24 hours, call the office.

How should the incision look?
Incisions should look clean and dry. New incisions may appear red, swollen, and firm at the incision line. Occasionally, there may be an area of bruising around the incision line. These appearances will return to normal. In boys, after an inguinal hernia repair, hydrocele or undescended testicle surgery, the scrotum may be swollen and black and blue or even yellow in appearance. This will resolve.

What about my child's activities?
Your child may resume walking, climbing stairs and taking part in quiet activities as soon as he/she desires. Minimally invasive surgery will hasten the recover time. Bike riding, gym class, sports or rough play must be avoided for 3-4 weeks. Infants and toddlers should avoid straddle toys, swings, walkers and riding toys until after the post-operative visit or as instructed. Your child may return to school or day care when he/she feels up to it.

When should I call the doctor?
1. Unexplained fever or discomfort 2. Persistent vomiting 3. Severe pain 4. An increase in swelling or redness around the incision 5. Drainage or pus from the incision or fresh bleeding from the incision 6. Opening of the incision.

When do I follow-up with the surgeon?
You should have received an appointment for a follow-up visit included in the surgical scheduling letter. If you do not have an appointment, please call our office.