After Umbilical Hernia Repair (Pediatric)
Your child had a procedure called umbilical hernia repair. A hernia is a weakness or tear in the wall of the abdomen. An umbilical hernia looks like a bubble or bulge near your child’s bellybutton. Although many umbilical hernias close on their own, some require surgery. During your child’s surgery, the doctor made a small incision and repaired the muscle. Here are some instructions to help you care for child once at home.
Home Care
-
Leave your child’s dressing in place until the follow-up visit with your child’s doctor—usually
1 week(s) after the surgery. -
Do not let your child’s dressing get wet. Give your child sponge baths to keep him or her clean.
-
Do not allow your child to shower, take a bath, or get in a swimming pool or hot tub until the doctor says it’s okay.
-
Give your child pain medications as directed by the doctor. Pain tends to lessen or go away after
2 days. -
Try to keep your child calm and quiet for 3 to 4 days following surgery. This will help keep the incisions from opening. After that, your child can resume most normal activities, such as daycare or school, as directed by your doctor.
-
Do not allow your child to play rough sports for
1 week(s) after the surgery. -
Allow your child to eat or drink as desired.
Follow-Up
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
When to Call Your Child’s Doctor
Call the doctor right away if your child has any of the following:
-
Fever:
-
In an infant under 3 months old, a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher
-
In a child 3 to 36 months, a rectal temperature of 102°F (39.0°C) or higher
-
In a child of any age who has a temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher
-
A fever that lasts more than 24-hours in a chid under 2 years old, or for 3 days in a child 2 years older
-
A seizure caused by the fever
-
-
Shaking chills
-
Vomiting or nausea that doesn’t go away
-
Severe abdominal pain
-
Trouble urinating
-
Redness, swelling, warmth, or pain at the incision site
-
Drainage, pus, or bleeding from the incision
-
The incision opens up or pulls apart
