Hernia/Hydrocele PostOp Information

After Surgery

  1. All of the sutures are below the skin and will dissolve. No stitches need to be removed. There will be a clear covering (collodion) or tape (Steri-strip) over the incision. Often there is a small amount of dried blood under the covering. The covering can be pulled off during a bath in seven days or it will fall off by itself.
  2. Your child may resume most activities as soon as he/she feels well enough. Refrain from gym class or other vigorous activity until after the follow up clinic visit. Infants do not have any activity restrictions.
  3. Showering or sponge bath may be restarted forty-eight hours after surgery. Resume normal bathing and swimming after 5 days.
  4. In general, acetaminophen elixir (ie: Tylenol, Tempera) is adequate for pain control in young children. You will receive specific instruction post operatively.
  5. It is common for the scrotum to appear bruised and slightly swollen. This will resolve in several weeks.

What restrictions will my child have after the surgery?

Your child can return to normal activity or school the next day, but should avoid vigorous physical activity (gym class, tree climbing) for 2-4 weeks. Your child should also avoid lifting anything greater than 10 pounds for one month after surgery. There are no restrictions for infants.

Will my child have pain?

Most children do not have severe pain after inguinal hernia repair. Most often over-the-counter pain relievers (ie. Children's Tylenol® or Children's Advil®) are adequate for pain control. Often we will provide you with a prescription for Tylenol with Codeine for more severe pain. Do NOT mix a dose of regular Tylenol for Children and a dose of Tylenol with Codeine®' this may be too much Tylenol and could be harmful. Remember that codeine may make your child drowsy, nauseated, or constipated. Have your child take the codeine with food and encourage them to drink plenty of liquids. Teenagers should not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking codeine.

When should I call to speak with a nurse?

If your child has:

  • Fever > 100.5 degrees F
  • Increased tenderness at the surgical site
  • Increased swelling or redness around the incision
  • Any unusual drainage or odor from the incision
  • Unexplained increase in pain
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation which is not improving

If you have questions or concerns contact us at:

  • M-F 8am-5pm (734) 764-4151
  • Weekends, evenings, holidays for emergency only (734) 936-6267 and ask for the Pediatric Surgical Resident on call.

This information is provided by the University of Michigan Department of Surgery, Section of Pediatric Surgery and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. For additional health information, please contact your health care provider or our offices.