Inguinal Hernia Repair & Hydrocelectomy

Your child is scheduled for inguinal (groin) hernia repair and/or a Hydrocele

(bag of water around testicle) repair.  Please follow the following instructions after surgery to ensure a good result.

Wound Care:

The cut (incision) where the surgery was preformed will be covered by small paper strips and clear waterproof dressing. Leave the dressing on until the post-op exam.  If the outer bandage falls off, replace it with a waterproof bandage; leave the 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 (Not greater than 101* Rectal/Oral) x 2-3 days Post-Op
  • Mild Tenderness for 2-3 days
  • Bloody drainage under bandage for 3-4 days
  • Watch for normal stools within 2-3 days after surgery

Watch for the Following Problems and Call Immediately if:

  • Redness and Swelling around the bandage
  • Blood or pus coming out from around the bandage
  • Temperature above 101 Fahrenheit or 39 Centigrade (Rectal/Oral)
  • Problems with eating, having bowel movements or urination
  • Excessive vomiting
  • Severe stomach pains

Bathing:

Keep the incision clean and dry. No tub bath for 3 days, then soak in warm bath everyday. Sponge baths may be given for the first 2 days after surgery. If the child wears diapers, change diapers frequently for the first 5 days after surgery. Boys should wear tight jockey underwear to support the scrotum.

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 2-3 days after surgery. They should be restricted from the playground activities 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.  If the child did take pain medication and is still in pain, the parent may give a normal dose 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 @ (404) 252-7900 to speak with one of our staff members.

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