Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Umbilical Hernia: Discharge Instructions
What is an umbilical hernia?
An umbilical or bellybutton hernia looks like a big, full
bellybutton with lots of loose skin. A hernia is an opening
in the thick muscles that make up the abdominal wall.
Abdominal contents, such as intestines, can slip through the
opening and cause the bellybutton to look as if it is
sticking out.
An umbilical hernia happens when the abdominal wall did not
completely close while your baby was growing in the uterus.
It is something that can happen to any baby.
Is surgery necessary?
In most children, an umbilical hernia will go away by
itself, but it is IMPORTANT to have your doctor examine your
child because in some cases the hernia must be fixed by
having an operation. Your child will probably need surgery
if:
- The opening is 2 cm (about 3/4 of an inch) or larger.
- The intestines or other abdominal contents become stuck
and the big belly button can't be pushed back in. If this
happens, your child may also be in pain and he or she
should be taken to the doctor as soon as possible.
What happens during the surgery?
This hernia repair is done as day surgery. This means your
child will not need to spend the night in the hospital. Your
child will have general anesthesia and will be asleep during
the surgery. The operation takes about 1 hour. A very small
incision is made below the bellybutton, and the hole in the
abdominal wall is closed. Recovery from anesthesia takes 2 to
3 hours. Your child will be able to go home when he is fully
awake, able to drink, and has a normal heartbeat and
breathing patterns.
Discharge Instructions After Day Surgery
- Care of Incision. Your child will have a dressing
covering the incision. This should remain in place
until the follow-up visit in 5 to 7 days.
- Pain Control. Your child may need pain medicine the
first few days after surgery for pain control.
Your child's pain medicine is ______________________.
Give __________ every ______ hours as needed.
- Activity. Children will limit their activity if they are
uncomfortable. Your child may begin normal activities
as soon as he desires. School-age children may miss 3 to
4 days of school. Your child should not ride on
straddle toys or bicycles for a week. Rough play should
also be avoided for several days.
- Bathing. Do not get the wound dressing wet. Give your
child sponge baths until the dressing is removed in 5 to
7 days.
- Diet. Your child may eat what he desires. Encourage your
child to drink fluids.
- Additional Instructions
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
- Follow-up Appointment After Discharge
Your child needs to be rechecked and has an appointment
on _________________ at ________ o'clock with
_________________________________
Call Your Doctor If:
- Your child has pain that is not controlled by
acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Your child has a fever greater than 101ƒF (38ƒC).
- Your child has any bleeding from the wound not stopped by
5 minutes of direct pressure.
- Your child has pus draining from the wound or a large red
area around the wound.
- Your child has not urinated in a 12-hour period.
|