Discharge Instructions for 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
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Leave your child’s dressing in place until the follow-up visit with your child’s doctor—usually 1 week(s) after the surgery.
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Do not let your child’s dressing get wet. Give your child sponge baths to keep him or her clean.
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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.
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Give your child pain medications as directed by the doctor. Pain tends to lessen or go away after 2 days.
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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.
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Do not allow your child to play rough sports for 1 week(s) after the surgery.
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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:
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Fever of 100.4°F or higher, or shaking chills
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Vomiting or nausea that doesn’t go away
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Severe abdominal pain
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Trouble urinating
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Redness, swelling, warmth, or pain at the incision site
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Drainage, pus, or bleeding from the incision
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The incision opens up or pulls apart
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Date Last Reviewed:
4/1/2007
Date Last Modified:
12/14/2007