Instructions for Your Child after Repair of an Inguinal Hernia
Dressing:
Your child will either have:
Small white bandages (Steri-strips�) – These will usually fall off in 1-3 weeks.
Clear plastic dressing (Collodion�) – This may begin to fall off as early as the evening after surgery.
White gauze dressing covered by clear plastic (Tegaderm�) – Remove this dressing after 3 days.
Stitches:
�Stitches hold the incision together.
They are under the skin; they do not need to be removed.
The body will absorb them.
Bath:
Keep the dressing dry for 2-3 days – Sponge bathing is okay.
After 2-3 days the child should have tub baths in warm water.
Activity:
Today:
Your child should rest quietly for the next 24 hours or have quiet supervised play.
Your child may be unsteady on his/her feet.
Naps may be off schedule today. They may be longer or shorter than usual.
After today:
No strenuous activity such as bike riding, gymnastics, contact sports, martial arts or school gym until you check with the doctor at the follow-up appointment.
Diet:
Your child may eat or drink as usual.
If vomiting occurs, do not give your child anything to eat or drink for 2 hours.�� Then offer small amounts of clear liquids, half strength formula or half strength juice until your child does not vomit any more. Then slowly start on their normal diet.
Pain:
Your child may have a prescription for pain medication such as Tylenol� with Codeine. If the incision remains uncomforatble use the prescription medication according to instructions.
Your child may take Tylenol� (acetaminophen) or Motrin� (ibuprofen) for discomfort if the pain is mild.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
