What to Do After Your Child's Surgery

Each surgery is different and will require different care at home but we have put the more common questions together regarding recovery from surgery.

 

What should I do about pain?

After surgery, a prescription for pain medicine is given. Tylenol is usually sufficient to make your child comfortable during recovery from surgery. In case of excessive pain, please contact the surgeon's office.

 

What should I do with the wound?

In the absence of specific instructions for care after surgery, most surgical wounds in children take care of themselves. All you have to do is try to keep them clean and dry for the first week, after which you may resume bathing. Pediatric surgeons try as hard as possible to use only absorbable sutures so that there are usually no sutures to remove.

 

When should I call the surgeon?

Call the surgeon whenever you are in doubt or have a question about your child's recovery from surgery. But some things must bring you back for a visit. Call and return to visit your surgeon, if you see:  

  • Worsening redness around the wound and/or
  • Seepage of liquid from the wound and/or
  • Increasing pain
  • Fever
  • Swelling

 

What can my child eat?

Unless specifically addressed, your child can return to a regular diet as soon as he/she wishes to after surgery.