Hernia Surgery: Umbilical Hernia Repair (Child)

Questions you may have

It’s normal to have concerns about your child’s surgery. Here are answers to some common questions:

• Is surgery safe? Yes. Complications from hernia surgery are rare. In fact, most children get back to normal in a very short time.

• Will my child be in pain during surgery? No. Your child will be given medicines that make them sleep during surgery. Some mild discomfort after the operation is normal.

• Is surgery always needed? Umbilical hernias in infants may get better without surgery. But fixing the hernia is safer than leaving it untreated. Umbilical hernias in older children are often fixed with surgery.

Preparing your child for surgery

Follow your health care provider's advice to help get your child ready for surgery. You may be asked to:

• Tell the provider about any medicines your child takes, including children’s pain relievers.

• Be with your child during tests. These may include urine and blood tests.

• Follow any directions your child is given for taking medicines and for not eating or drinking before surgery.

• Follow your provider's instructions for washing your child with a special cleanser before surgery.

The day of surgery

You’ll meet with the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist. They will talk with you about the anesthesia used to prevent pain during surgery. Your child will be given an IV (intravenous) line to give fluids and medicines. This may happen in the operating room while your child is getting mask anesthesia so they sleep during the surgery. The type of surgery your child has depends on where the hernia is. If your child has a related problem, such as an undescended testicle, it may also be fixed at the same time as the hernia.

Repairing an umbilical hernia

A cut is made under the navel. Any protruding tissue is pushed back into place. The hernia sac is taken out. The belly wall is then closed with stitches (sutures).

Your child’s recovery

Your child can likely go home the same day as surgery. Don’t worry if you notice some swelling or bruising. This is normal and should go away in a short time. To help speed recovery, encourage your child to move around and be active. But children should stay away from rough play for a couple of weeks. After that, it’s OK to let them get back to doing things they enjoy. Your child will have a bandage that you may remove after a couple of days. But do not remove any tape strips, staples, or sutures. You may shower or bathe your child, but prevent prolonged soaking of the incision. Your child can eat what they want. If your child is constipated, you should increase fiber in their diet. If you have questions or concerns, be sure to talk with the health care provider during follow-up visits.

What to look for after surgery

Hernia surgery for children is safe. But it does have some risks. These include:

• Bleeding.

• Infection.

• Inability to urinate.

• The hernia happening again.

• Bowel or bladder injury.

• Problems with anesthesia.

• No bowel movements.

When to call the doctor

After surgery, contact your child's health care provider if your child has:

• A large amount of swelling or bruising.

• Fever of 101°F ( 38.3°C) or higher, or as directed by your child's provider.

• Increasing redness or drainage of the incision.

• Bleeding.

• Increasing pain.

• Nausea or vomiting.