After Your Child's Epigastric Hernia Repair

What is it?

A hernia is when tissue, part of an organ or fat bulges out of its normal place in the body, usually through a hole in the muscle. An epigastric hernia is when there is a hole in the muscle in the middle of the abdomen (belly) above the belly button. The hernia is fixed through an incision made over the hernia site.

What should I expect after surgery?

• Your child may return to normal activities.

• You may give your child Children’s Tylenol or Children’s Motrin to help with the pain. (Do not use Motrin if your child is less than 6 months old.) Don't use aspirin. 

  • Some children may have more pain and may require a prescription for pain medicine. You may use this every 4 hours as needed for pain and can alternate with regular Motrin to help with the pain.

• If your child has a dressing, leave this on for  48 hours. If there are paper strips (steri-strips) under the bandage, do not take them off. They will come off on their own in about 1 week. If they have not come off by then, you may pull them off.

• If there is Dermabond (skin glue), do not take them off. These will come off on their own.

• No tub baths or swimming for 1 week. Your child may either shower or take a sponge bath 24 hours after surgery.

• There are stitches that dissolve under your child’s skin. When the steri-strips fall off, the incision may feel hard or knotted - this is normal. Sometimes a knot from the stitch will be outside on the skin. This will fall off like a scab.

When do I follow up with the doctor?

When should I call the doctor?