After Your Child's Inguinal Hernia Repair

Your child had a procedure called an inguinal hernia repair. An inguinal (groin hernia) is when a small sac of intestine or fat pokes through a weak area of muscle into the lower abdomen. The weak area of muscle is formed that way before birth. The sac is formed by tissue that lines the abdomen. This kind of hernia usually happens on one side of the groin. It is felt as a bulge under the skin.

Groin hernias are common in children. They happen most often in boys. They do not go away on their own. If left untreated, the hernia can cause a serious problem. Groin hernias in children can be repaired with surgery in about 1 hour. Most children go home the same day and get better quickly.

Home care

• Keep in mind that some swelling in the area of treatment is normal during the first few days after surgery.
• Give your child pain medicines as needed. After 2 days, your child should be in little or no pain.
• Let your child eat or drink as usual.
• Have your child wear loose, comfortable clothing instead of tight clothing. 
• Don’t pull off the strips of tape that are used to close your child’s wound. These should come off on their own in a week or so. If the strips are still in place after 10 days, you may remove them. If surgical glue was used, it will peel off on its own in 5 to 10 days.
• For the first 3 days after surgery, give your child sponge baths only. After this, your child can bathe or shower as usual.
• Discuss your child's activity with the healthcare provider.  Generally, your child can do what they are comfortable doing.  Older children should not go to gym class or organized sports until after their postoperative (after surgery) doctor’s appointment. They can return to school or daycare in a few days.

After Your Child's Inguinal Hernia Repair

Your child had a procedure called an inguinal hernia repair. An inguinal (groin hernia) is when a small sac of intestine or fat pokes through a weak area of muscle into the lower abdomen. The weak area of muscle is formed that way before birth. The sac is formed by tissue that lines the abdomen. This kind of hernia usually happens on one side of the groin. It is felt as a bulge under the skin.

Groin hernias are common in children. They happen most often in boys. They do not go away on their own. If left untreated, the hernia can cause a serious problem. Groin hernias in children can be repaired with surgery in about 1 hour. Most children go home the same day and get better quickly.

Home care

• Keep in mind that some swelling in the area of treatment is normal during the first few days after surgery.
• Give your child pain medicines as needed. After 2 days, your child should be in little or no pain.
• Let your child eat or drink as usual.
• Have your child wear loose, comfortable clothing instead of tight clothing. 
• Don’t pull off the strips of tape that are used to close your child’s wound. These should come off on their own in a week or so. If the strips are still in place after 10 days, you may remove them. If surgical glue was used, it will peel off on its own in 5 to 10 days.
• For the first 3 days after surgery, give your child sponge baths only. After this, your child can bathe or shower as usual.
• Discuss your child's activity with the healthcare provider.  Generally, your child can do what they are comfortable doing.  Older children should not go to gym class or organized sports until after their postoperative (after surgery) doctor’s appointment. They can return to school or daycare in a few days.

After Your Child's Inguinal Hernia Repair

Your child had a procedure called an inguinal hernia repair. An inguinal (groin hernia) is when a small sac of intestine or fat pokes through a weak area of muscle into the lower abdomen. The weak area of muscle is formed that way before birth. The sac is formed by tissue that lines the abdomen. This kind of hernia usually happens on one side of the groin. It is felt as a bulge under the skin.

Groin hernias are common in children. They happen most often in boys. They do not go away on their own. If left untreated, the hernia can cause a serious problem. Groin hernias in children can be repaired with surgery in about 1 hour. Most children go home the same day and get better quickly.

Home care

• Keep in mind that some swelling in the area of treatment is normal during the first few days after surgery.
• Give your child pain medicines as needed. After 2 days, your child should be in little or no pain.
• Let your child eat or drink as usual.
• Have your child wear loose, comfortable clothing instead of tight clothing. 
• Don’t pull off the strips of tape that are used to close your child’s wound. These should come off on their own in a week or so. If the strips are still in place after 10 days, you may remove them. If surgical glue was used, it will peel off on its own in 5 to 10 days.
• For the first 3 days after surgery, give your child sponge baths only. After this, your child can bathe or shower as usual.
• Discuss your child's activity with the healthcare provider.  Generally, your child can do what they are comfortable doing.  Older children should not go to gym class or organized sports until after their postoperative (after surgery) doctor’s appointment. They can return to school or daycare in a few days.