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Inguinal Hernia Repair: Before Your Child's Surgery

What is inguinal hernia repair surgery?

Inguinal hernia repair is a type of surgery. It fixes a problem called an inguinal hernia. This is a bulge under the skin in your child's groin. It happens when there is a weak spot in your child's groin muscle and a piece of the intestines or tissue pokes through the muscle. This can be painful. Your child may have pain when he or she is active. Or your child may feel pain if he or she strains with a bowel movement or lifts something heavy.

Surgery can relieve your child's pain. It can also prevent serious problems that can happen if an organ or tissue gets stuck in the hernia.

There are two ways to do this surgery. In open surgery, the doctor makes one cut near the hernia. This cut is called an incision. In laparoscopic surgery, the doctor makes several very small incisions and uses a thin, lighted scope and small tools.

If your child's hernia is bulging, the doctor pushes the bulge back in place. If the hernia goes down the inguinal canal, the hernia sac is either pushed back or tied off and removed. Then the doctor sews the healthy tissue back together.

Laparoscopic surgery leaves several small scars. Open surgery leaves one long scar. The scars fade with time.

After the surgery, your child will probably need to take off 1 to 2 weeks from normal activity.

How do you prepare for surgery?

Surgery can be stressful for both your child and you. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your child's surgery.

Preparing for surgery

Talk to your child about the surgery. Tell your child that the surgery will fix a problem in his or her groin. And it will stop any pain. Hospitals know how to take care of children. The staff will do all they can to make it easier for your child.
Ask if a special tour of the surgery area and hospital is available. This may make your child feel less nervous about what happens.
Plan for your child's recovery time. Your child may need more of your time right after the surgery, both for care and for comfort.
Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
Tell the doctor ALL the medicines and natural health products your child takes. Some may increase the risk of problems during the surgery. Your doctor will tell you if your child should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.

The day before surgery

A nurse may call you (or you may need to call the hospital). This is to confirm the time and date of your child's surgery and answer any questions.
Remember to follow your doctor's instructions about your child taking or stopping medicines before surgery. This includes over-the-counter medicines.

What happens on the day of surgery?

Follow the instructions exactly about when your child should stop eating and drinking. If you don't, the surgery may be cancelled. If the doctor told you to have your child take his or her medicines on the day of surgery, have your child take them with only a sip of water.
See that your child has bathed. Do not apply lotion or deodorant.
Your child may brush his or her teeth. But tell your child not to swallow any toothpaste or water.
Do not let your child wear contact lenses. Bring your child's glasses or contact lens case.
Be sure your child has something that reminds him or her of home. A special stuffed animal, toy, or blanket may be comforting. For an older child, it might be a book or music.

At the hospital or surgery centre

A parent or legal guardian must accompany your child.
Your child will be kept comfortable and safe by an anesthesia provider. Your child will be asleep during the surgery.
The surgery will take 1 to 2 hours.
After surgery, your child will be taken to the recovery room. As your child wakes up, the recovery room staff will monitor his or her condition. The doctor will talk to you about the surgery.
You will probably be able to take your child home the same day as the surgery.

When should you call your doctor?

You have questions or concerns.
You don't understand how to prepare your child for the surgery.
Your child becomes ill before the surgery (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about your child having the surgery.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.