Excision of Lesion/Mass/Cyst/Lymph Node

Your child is scheduled for removal of a nevus, soft tissue mass, lymph node or cyst. Please follow the instructions below after surgery to ensure a good result. After surgery, you will need to call our office to make a 2 week post-op appointment.

Wound Care:

The cut where the surgery was performed (incision) will be covered by small paper strips and there will also be a waterproof bandage. Leave the dressing on until the post-op exam. If the outer bandage falls off, replace it with another waterproof bandage; leave paper strips in place. It is okay to apply a covered ice pack to the area for comfort and to decrease bruising/swelling.

What to Expect:

  • As with any surgery, there will be swelling and redness at the incision site
  • Low grade fever for 2-3 days
  • Tenderness/soreness for 2-5 days
  • Small amount of blood staining the paper strips
  • Watch for normal stools within 2-3 days after surgery

Watch for the following problems and call our office if:

  • Redness and swelling increases after the first 24 hours or extends around the bandage
  • Blood or puss is coming out from underneath the bandage
  • Temperature over 101 Fahrenheit or 39 Centigrade
  • Problems with eating, having bowel movements, or urination
  • Excessive vomiting
  • Severe stomach pains

Bathing:

Keep the incision dry and as clean as possible. Do not tub bathe your child for 2 days. Sponge baths may be given for the first 2 days after surgery.

Activity:

Your child should take it easy for 3-5 days after surgery. No running, jumping, or horseplay should be allowed until after the post-op appointment. Children may return to school/daycare 2-3 days after surgery. They should be restricted from the playground or physical education for 2 weeks after surgery. Children may sleep  on their stomachs if it is comfortable.

Pain Medication:

If the child is prescribed pain medication, take it as directed on the bottle. If the child is in pain and has not been prescribed medication you may give the child a normal dose of Motrin plus ½ teaspoon more. If the child took a prescription pain medication and is still in pain, the parent may give ½ teaspoon of Motrin with the pain medication. (Dr. Stovroff would rather any child take Motrin than Tylenol)

Problems:

If you have any questions call the office at 404-252-7900 to speak with one of our staff members. If it is after hours and your child is having a problem call our office and you will be directed to our answering service who can page Dr. Stovroff.

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