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