Pediatric General Surgery and Anesthesia

The appendix, a small tube attached to the large intestine, can become infected or blocked, resulting in appendicitis which causes belly pain. As the infection worsens, the pain increases and requires surgery, called an appendectomy.

Appendicitis requires surgery, which can be done as open surgery (a single cut) or laparoscopically (using small cuts and a camera).

Explain the surgery in simple terms: “The doctor will remove your appendix, which is causing you pain.

• Follow directions about when your child should stop eating or drinking.
• Bring a comfort item, blanket, or an electronic device so your child can watch movies.
• Kids cope best when they are supported by a loved one. Plan to stay with your child or, if not possible, reach out to a trusted adult.
• Explain that your child will receive medicine to help them sleep during the procedure and that the care team will be there to keep them safe and comfortable.

1. Your child will be given sedation to allow them to sleep during the surgery and not feel any pain
2. The surgeon makes an incision in the skin and removes the appendix.
3. The incision is closed with sutures or special glue and covered with a bandage.
4. Your child wakes up in a recovery room. The medical team determines if your child can go home or spend the night.

Your child will recover in a special hospital room and may show discomfort, confusion, or anger as anesthesia wears off—this is normal. The hospital stay will depend on whether the appendix burst, as recovery may take longer.

• Follow your doctor’s advice on diet, activity, and returning to school.
• Contact your doctor if you notice fever, worsening belly pain, or incision issues.
• Recognize your child’s efforts by acknowledging their bravery and noting something they handled well. Offering space for them to share their thoughts, along with a positive activity afterward, can help support a reassuring experience.

A hernia happens when an organ or tissue, like the intestines, pushes through a weak spot in your child’s belly, groin, abdomen, or diaphragm.

Inguinal hernia

Found in the groin area, it occurs when the connection between the abdomen and groin doesn’t close properly before birth. This is more common in boys but can also happen in girls.

Umbilical hernia

Found at the belly button, often appearing as a soft bulge. These typically resolve by age 5, but surgery may be needed.

Epigastric hernia

Found between the chest and belly button. It occurs when the abdominal wall doesn’t close completely during development.

Surgery can be done as open surgery (a single cut) or laparoscopically (using small cuts and a camera). Most children go home the same day and recover quickly. Hernia repair surgery typically involves:

• Moving any protruding organs or tissue back to where they belong.
• Closing the weak spot in the muscle.

• Explain the surgery in simple terms: “The doctor will fix the bump in your belly.”
• Follow directions about when your child should stop eating or drinking.
• Bring a comfort item, like a stuffed animal. You can also bring an electronic device so your child can watch movies before their surgery.
• Plan to stay with your child for support. If that’s not possible, reach out to a trusted adult.

• Your child will be given sedation to allow them to sleep through the surgery.
• The surgeon will fix the hernia by either sewing the weak spot or using a small patch.
• The incision will be closed with dissolvable stitches and covered with a dressing.

Your child will recover in a special hospital room. You might notice signs of discomfort, confusion, or anger. It may be hard to comfort them at first, but this reaction is normal as the anesthesia wears off.

Most children return home the same day, though more complex cases may require an overnight hospital stay. Follow the doctor’s advice about activity levels and caring for the incision site after you return home.

Acknowledging your child’s effort and bravery can help reinforce a positive experience. Noting a specific behavior they managed well and giving them an opportunity to share how they felt can support confidence moving forward. A small reward or enjoyable activity may also help create a positive association.