Hernia Repair in Children: What to Expect at Home

Your Child's Recovery

Your child is likely to have pain for the next few days. Some children also feel tired and have less energy than normal. This is common.

Your child should feel better after a few days and will probably feel much better in 7 days. It will also depend on if your child had laparoscopic or open surgery. Recovery will take a little longer with open surgery.

For several weeks your child may feel discomfort or pulling in the hernia repair when your child moves. Your child may have some bruising near the surgical area. This is normal.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for your child to recover. But each child recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to help your child get better as quickly as possible.

How can you care for your child at home?

Activity

• Have your child rest when they are feeling tired. Getting enough sleep will help your child recover.
• Encourage your child to be active each day. Your child may like to take a walk with you.
• Your child may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if the doctor okays it. Pat the cut (incision) dry. Your child should not swim or take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until the doctor tells you it is okay.
• Your child should not ride a bike, play running games, or take part in gym class until your doctor says it is okay.
• Make sure your child avoids lifting anything that would make your child strain. This may include a heavy backpack, heavy grocery bags and milk containers, or bags of cat litter or dog food.
• The time it takes for your child to heal depends on the type of hernia. Your doctor will tell you when your child can return to normal activities.

Diet

• Your child can eat their normal diet.
• If your child's bowel movements are not regular right after surgery, you can help your child to avoid constipation and straining. Have your child drink plenty of water. The doctor may suggest fiber, a stool softener, or a mild laxative.

Medicines

• Your doctor will tell you if and when your child can restart any medicines. You will also get instructions about your child taking any new medicines.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • Store your child’s prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• If you think that pain medicine is making your child feel sick to their stomach:
  • Give the medicine after meals (unless the doctor has told you not to).
  • Ask the doctor for a different pain medicine.

Incision care

• If there is skin glue on the cut (incision), leave it on until it wears off. Skin glue is also called liquid stitches.
• If there are strips of tape on the cut, leave the tape on until it falls off.
• If there are staples or stitches closing the cut, your doctor will tell you when to come back to have them removed.
• Gently wash the area daily with warm, soapy water, and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the area with a gauze bandage if it oozes or rubs against clothing.
• Change the bandage every day or if it gets wet or dirty.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
• Your child is short of breath.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child has pain that does not get better after taking pain medicine.
• Your child has nausea and vomiting and cannot keep fluids down.
• Your child has loose stitches, or the incision comes open.
• Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage.
• Your child has symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the incision.
  • Pus draining from the incision.
  • A fever.
• Your child cannot pass stools or gas.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if your child has any problems.