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Patient Care
Post-Operative
Instructions
Keep the
incision dry for 5 days after surgery. No tub baths or swimming
during this time. The doctor will specify if a shower is allowed.
If so, shower and gently dry the incision with a towel. A clean
dressing or Band-Aid can then be applied to the incision if
necessary.
Some incisions will
be covered with Collodion or a Tegaderm dressing. Collodian is
painted over the incision and will dry to a clear coating. This
type of dressing will harmlessly flake away after several days.
Tegaderm is a plastic dressing that is clear and sticks to the
skin. Parents may remove this dressing in 5 days.
Observe the incision(s) for signs of infection. The warning signs are fever,
redness that spreads away from the incision, tenderness to touch,
and yellow drainage. If this is noted, please call the Pediatric
Surgery Office to make an appointment to be seen.
Post-operative pain
can usually be handled with Acetominophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen
(Children's Advil or Motrin). Parents may give acetominophen every
three hours, or ibuprofen every six hours. Occasionally a stronger
medication may be prescribed for more severe pain. If pain
persists or if an infant remains irritable and is not easily
consoled, please call the office.
Some infants and
children may experience nausea and vomiting after discharge to
home. Simple home remedies like sips of ginger ale, jello, and
other clear liquids in small amounts may be helpful. The nausea
and vomiting rarely persists longer than a few hours. If vomiting
persists for 6 to 8 hours after discharge, please call the office.
Activities are
rarely restricted post-operatively. Children will usually limit
their own activity, and a few days of rest are not unreasonable
after surgery. Older children should avoid bicycle riding and
contact sports until cleared by the surgeon. Any activity that may
cause injury to the incision should be avoided until the incision
is well healed.
Children may return
to school when they feel better, at their parent's discretion.
This can usually occur within a few days of surgery. Sometimes the
child will want to attend school for only part of the day until
their strength returns and their pain is gone. If the child must
walk long distances or carry heavy books, the teacher should be
notified to assist in making appropriate arrangements for
in-school help. If it is anticipated that the child will miss
several weeks of school, the principle should be notified so that
homebound instruction can be arranged. A note to excuse the child
from physical education activities should be provided at the time
of discharge. Most children will be allowed to resume this
activity following the post-operative office visit.
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