Paediatric Umbilical Hernia Repair – Discharge Advice

Your child has had an umbilical hernia repair operation. An umbilical hernia is a weakness in the abdominal wall causing a lump, this can be closed with stitches (NHS, 2022). The operation takes about 1 hour.

The complications of this operation are:

• Bleeding
• Pain
• Infection
• Scarring

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 their operation.

They may have some swelling or bruising around their wound. 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 they drink plenty of fluids to stop them becoming dehydrated. In hospital they may be offered an anti-sickness medicine if they start vomiting.

Your child may have some discomfort but the medication they may have been given/advised to give on discharge should help, this is usually paracetamol and ibuprofen. We advise parents to buy this over the counter from the local pharmacy or local supermarket. Always follow the instructions given in the leaflet supplied with the medication. If their pain becomes severe or continues for more than 7 days, you should contact their GP for advice.

For 7 – 14 days after their operation if your child moves suddenly, coughs or sneezes they may have some discomfort. 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 – 10 minutes. If this does not stop the bleeding or the bleeding is heavy, you should contact the ward you attended or your local Emergency Department 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 above 38C.

• 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 111 Service. If they have an urgent problem the night after their operation you can contact the Emergency Department at your local hospital for advice.

What must my child do after the procedure?

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

• Must be supervised by an adult at all times.

• Must not lock the toiler or bathroom door in case they need help.

• Must not go back to school.

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

Will my child have a wound or dressing?

• Sutures (stitches) that will dissolve over time or need removing about 7 days after their operation. The nurse will tell you which type of sutures have been used.

OR

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

When can my child have a bath or shower?

Your child may have a bath or shower 24 hours after the operation, when the effects of the anaesthetic will have worn off. Do not allow your child to sit in the bath for a long period of time because if they soak the wound and dressing, it may come off. Dry the area thoroughly by patting with a clean soft towel.

Contact numbers

Children and Young Person’s Emergency Department (CYPED)

Telephone: 01642 624633

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.

Further information is available from:

NHS Choices

Telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent than 999) Calls to these numbers are free from landlines and mobile phones or you can get in touch via the nhs website at www.nhs.uk

References:

1. https://www.aboutmyhealth.org/docs/PS05lite_en.pdf

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 Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

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

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, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]