Paediatric Inguinal Hernia Repair – Discharge Advice

Your child has had an inguinal hernia repair operation. This is where the abdominal (tummy area) contents push down towards the scrotal area in boys and labia area in girls, causing a lump. This operation takes approximately one hour.

This is usually a safe operation but sometimes the following complications can occur:

• Pain.
• Bleeding.
• Scarring.
• Inflammation.
• Infection.
• Collection of fluid.
• Damage to nerves in the skin around the groin.

How will my child feel when they go home?

At first, they will feel tired and they will need to rest for a few days after their operation. This is because of the anaesthetic and the medication given to them during the operation. They may have some swelling or bruising around their wound.

In boys the bruising may spread to their groin, scrotal area and penis. The bruising and swelling will slowly disappear over the next 2 weeks.

Your child may suffer from nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting (being sick) because of the anaesthetic. If they feel sick it is important to encourage your child to drink as much as possible, to stop them becoming dehydrated.

Your child may have some pain but you will be given medication before going home to help with this. This is usually paracetamol and ibuprofen. Always follow the instructions given in the leaflet supplied with the medication.

If your child’s pain becomes severe or continues for more than 7 days you should contact their GP for advice.

For 7 to 14 days after their operation if your child moves suddenly or if they cough or sneeze they may have some pain.

A small amount of bleeding under the wound dressing is not unusual. If the bleeding becomes heavy press a clean folded towel firmly over the dressing for 5 to 10 minutes. If this does not stop the bleeding or the bleeding is heavy, you should contact the ward you attended or ring 111 for advice.

If:

• Your child feels sick or their vomiting continues for more than 24 hours.
• Your child feels feverish, unwell or develops a high temperature.
• Your child has increased pain.
• The area around the wound becomes red, hot and painful to touch.
• The wound leaks any fluid you should contact their GP during normal surgery hours. Outside surgery hours you should contact the 111 Service.

If there is an urgent problem the night after your child’s operation you can contact the Children and Young People’s Emergency Department at your local hospital for advice.

What should I look out for once we go home?

For the first 24 hours after a general anaesthetic your child:

• Must always be supervised by an adult.
• Must not go back to school.
• Must not lock the toilet or bathroom door in case they need help.

Your child should also avoid sports and games for at least 2 weeks.

Will my child have a wound or dressing?

Your child will have a wound that has been closed using either:

• Sutures (stitches) that will dissolve over time or need removing about 7 days after their operation.

Or

• Steri-strips which you should remove 7 days after their operation. Your child’s wound will be covered with a sterile dressing which you may remove after 7 days.

The nurse will tell you which type of sutures have been used.

When can my child have a bath or shower?

Your child may have a short bath or shower 24 hours after the operation when the effects of the anaesthetic will have worn off.

Be careful not to soak the wound for long periods of time or the dressing may come off. Dry the area thoroughly by patting with a clean soft towel.

Contact numbers

University Hospital of North Tees

Children and Young People’s Emergency Department

Telephone: 01642 624533 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you have any worries or concerns, you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours. Outside surgery hours, you should contact your GP’s surgery for the Out of Hours Service number.

NHS 111

Telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent than 999) Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones.

Further information is available from:

NHS Website

www.nhs.uk

Aboutmyhealth

https://www.aboutmyhealth.org/leaflet.php?req=ps01

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]