• Reference Number: HEY1458-2024
• Departments: Day Surgery (DSU), Paediatrics
• Last Updated: 30 September 2024

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English

Introduction

This leaflet has been produced to give parents information and advice following Minor Surgery.  It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your Child’s Doctor.  If after reading it, you have any concerns or 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:

• Paediatric day surgery unit, CHH on tel: (01482) 624780 – Monday to Wednesday 08:00-18:00
• Acorn Ward, Women and Children’s Hospital, HRI on Tel: 01482382609 or tel: 01482382679
• OR contact the Paediatric Community Team Tel: 01482344075

Follow-up

• If a wound check is needed the Community Paediatric Team will be informed and will contact you to make an appointment.
• If an appointment is needed to be seen by the consultant/surgeon this will be arranged for you and sent to you in the post.

School/Nursery

• Your child will need to be off school or nursery for two to three days.
• This depends on the type of surgery they have had.
• It may be necessary for your child to avoid PE or sport for a short period.
• If you feel that your child needs a little longer to recover, we are happy for you to use your personal judgement.

After the Surgery

• If stitches have been used, they usually do not need removing and will dissolve in two to three weeks.
• If the stitches do need removing, then the Community Children’s Nurses will contact you with an appointment clinic.
• A small dressing may be covering the wound. Please keep this dry and clean for the following five to seven days.
• There may also be a small amount of swelling, bruising or leakage from the dressing for a couple of days. (If this increases or causes you concern then contact us).

Pain Relief

• During the surgery it is usual for some local anaesthetic to be used, which will help with pain relief after surgery.
• We recommend that for the first 24 to 48 hours a suitable form of analgesia is given regularly if needed e.g. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. This should be the appropriate dose for weight and age.
• Ibuprofen may not be suitable for asthmatics.