Caring for Your Child after Excision of a Mass or Lump
Before Surgery
- The time your child will have to take off school will depend on the size and site of the mass or lump.
- Plan things that do not require a lot of strenuous activity.
After Surgery
- Your child will most likely go home the same day.
- Your child may shower. Avoid soaking the incision in water (no tub baths or swimming).
- Wear loose fitting clothing for a few days.
- Plan for rest, but your child should move around the house as much as she can. She can return to her normal routine when she feels ready.
- There may be bruising at your child’s incision site.
- Check your child’s incision daily for signs of infection: increased redness or swelling, red or hot incision, foul smelling drainage, or a fever over 100.4°F.
- Plan to visit your child’s doctor in about one week.
When to Call the Doctor
- Fever over 100.4°F for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart
- Excess swelling
- Increased redness at the site
- Abnormal drainage like bleeding or pus from incision
- Increase in pain
Phone Numbers
Your child’s doctor ________________________.
Pediatric Surgery Clinic, (608) 263-6420, 8:00 – 4:30, weekdays.
After hours and weekends, the clinic number will give you the hospital paging operator. Ask for pediatric surgery resident on-call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
Toll free Hospital Number: (800) 323-8942
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 10/27/2011
Copyright © 10/27/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6811
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