Instructions for Your Child after an Appendectomy

Dressing:

Your child will have:

A white gauze dressing(s) covered by a clear plastic (Tegaderm®) – Remove this dressing 3 days after surgery. Beneath the gauze dressing(s) are small white bandages (Steri-strips®) - These will usually fall off in 1-3 weeks.

Stitches:

Stitches hold the incision together.

They are under the skin; they do not need to be removed, the body will absorb them.
They are on the skin and will be removed at the follow up visit.

Bath:

Remove the dressing(s) 3 days after surgery. Sponge bathing is okay while the dressing is in place. After the dressing(s) are removed, the child should have tub baths in warm water.

Activity:

Open Appendectomy: No strenuous activity such as bike riding, gymnastics, contact sports, martial arts, school gym, or weight lifting until you check with the surgeon at the follow-up appointment.
Laparoscopic Appendectomy: The child may resume normal activities without restriction as tolerated.

Diet:

Your child may eat or drink as usual.
If vomiting occurs, do not give your child anything to eat or drink for 2 hours. Then offer small amounts of clear liquids or half strength juice until your child does not vomit any more. Then slowly start on their normal diet. If your child continues to vomit please call the office.

Pain:

Your child may have a prescription for pain medication such as Tylenol® with Codeine or Percocet. If the incision(s) remain uncomfortable use the prescription medication according to instructions.
Your child may take Tylenol® (acetaminophen) or Motrin® (ibuprofen) for discomfort if the pain is mild.

Please call the office if you child develops any of the following:

Fever > 100.5
Redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision site
Pain despite the prescription medication

General, Minimally Invasive & Thoracic Surgery