Inguinal Hernia Repair – Advice for Parents

Patient Experience

  • Reference Number: HEY1090/2024
  • Departments: Day Surgery (DSU), Paediatrics
  • Last Updated: 1 January 2024
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Introduction

This advice sheet has been produced to give parents information and advice following an Inguinal Hernia Repair. It is not meant to replace discussion between you and your child’s doctor.  If after reading it, you require further explanation please discuss this with the relevant person who has been caring for your child.

Should you need any further help or advice please telephone:

Acorn Ward, Women and Children’s Hospital, HRI – Telephone: (01482) 382609 or 382679.

OR contact the Paediatric Community Team Telephone (01482) 344077

Follow-up

The Community Children’s Team have been contacted and may visit your child at home in the weeks following surgery.  They may also contact you by phone following your child’s discharge from the Day Surgery Unit.

School/Nursery

Your child can return to school in approximately 1 to 2 weeks.  If you feel your child needs a little longer to recover we are happy for you to use your own judgment. However, your child should not take part in any physical education (PE), games or swimming for approximately 4 to 6 weeks

After surgery

  • The stitches are ‘dissolvable’ (do not need removing).
  • A small dressing has been used to cover the wound.
  • There may be a small amount of blood on the dressing.  This is normal but if you are concerned, please contact us.
  • There may be some swelling and bruising in the scrotal and inguinal area. This is not uncommon and will gradually settle.
  • If swelling and significant discomfort persist please contact us.
  • The dressing should be left to ‘fall off’ in its own time.
  • Tomorrow your child may have a shower.
  • Your child may have a bath after 5 days.  (Do not add anything to the bath water).
  • It may help if your child wears loose clothing until they feel more comfortable.

Pain relief

During the surgery it is usual for some local anaesthetic to be used which will help with pain relief after the surgery. The anaesthetist will discuss with you other pain relief options we may use during surgery. We recommend that for the first 24 to 48 hrs you have paracetamol and ibuprofen syrup available at home following discharge. (Ibuprofen may not be suitable for asthmatics).

After your child’s operation

The Day Surgery Unit is continually striving to improve patient information and we would be pleased to hear from you should you have any comments or concerns.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this advice sheet, please do not hesitate to contact the Acorn Ward.

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