Ventral/Umbilical Hernia Repair
Your child is scheduled for umbilical or ventral hernia surgery. Please adhere to the following instructions 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.
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
- Drainage under the bandage for 3-4 days
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. If the child wears diapers, change them frequently for the first 5 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 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.