Children’s and Young People’s Surgical Day Unit
Managing pain
It is normal for children and young people to be a bit sore after an operation. Please read the “Managing Pain after an Operation” leaflet. It contains lots of useful advice about how to help make your child feel more comfortable.
We advise giving pain relief such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen regularly for the first two days after surgery, please follow the doses on your bottle and do not give more doses than stated. As your child starts to feel better you can reduce giving pain medication to “as required”.
If your child has a lot of pain and pain relief does not help, please contact the hospital for advice on the contact numbers below.
Wound care
The surgeon will decide which dressing will be most beneficial for your child’s wound.
- A waterproof glue maybe used, this can have a purple colour.
This will wash off overtime. There may be a loose gauze used to stop clothes sticking to the wound initially. - Or a dressing maybe used and it will need to remain in place for 3 days.
Your child will need to see the practice nurse for this to be changed, at this point any further dressing changes will be decided.
Some bruising and swelling will occur around the operation site. A minimal ooze and crusting occurs around the wound for approximately one week. The penis can look swollen initially.
With clean hands you can apply a soft gel (petroleum jelly) around the wound area -this prevents the skin drying out and stops underwear sticking to it.
To help prevent the wound becoming infected the gel needs to be applied with gloves or thoroughly cleansed, washed hands.
If stitches are visible, these will dissolve and fall off in 2 to 3 weeks. Apply the gel to these stitches morning and night for a week (if your child tolerates it).
Children may find loose fitting clothing more comfortable for the first week.
Encourage your child to drink plenty of water to keep them hydrated, this will help to prevent stinging when they pass urine.
Keep the wound clean and dry for 2 full days after surgery (for example; operation Tuesday afternoon – first shower or bath Friday) Avoid adding products to the bath or shower until the wound is fully healed to avoid irritation.
Important
If the wound shows any sign of infection, for example the area around the wound becomes increasingly red, your child gets persistent temperatures or the wound opens up or discharges, please see your GP. You can also contact the hospital for advice.
School or nursery and activities
- We advise 3 days off school depending on how your child feels.
- Encourage your child to walk around from the start.
- Your child can go swimming at 2 weeks.
- Your child can commence PE and play on sit on toys at 4 weeks.
- Cycling and very active sports can commence at 6 weeks, for example football matches, swimming training, karate.
Follow up
Usually there is no need for follow up but if you are concerned by the long term result of the surgery, please contact the Consultant Surgeons secretary or speak with you GP.
Who can I contact for advice?
If you are concerned in any way about your child, please contact us for advice.
- Childrens surgical day unit
Telephone: 01642 854927
Monday to Friday, 7.30am until 19.00pm
Email: [email protected] - Ward 22
Telephone: 01642 854522 (24 hours)
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]
The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW.
Telephone: 01642 850850
