Pediatric Surgery - Pediatric Urology
Fernando A. Ferrer, MD
Christina Kim, MD
Day Surgery Unit - (860) 545-9910

Post Operative Instructions:

1. Apply diaper loosely or snugly, depending on your child’s urologist

2. Your child may take a shower or sit in a clean warm bath after 48 hours or sooner depending on his urologist’s reommendations.

3. Observe the end of the penis for color; the tip should be pink. It is normal for the penis to appear swollen and black and blue after surgery. This will decrease after the first few days, after which a whitish coating or yellowish “slime” may appear around the area; this frequently looks like a bad blister after the skin comes off. This is not an infected but is part of the normal healing process and will go away.

4. Apply an antibiotic ointment like Bacitracin, Polysporin or Neosporin, to the penis with each diaper change, or at least three or four times a day , or with each diaper change until the skin is no longer moist or appearing like the bad peeling blister.

5. If there is a dressing, do not be concerned if the dressing falls off. This is not a problem.

6. There may be some small amounts of drainage from the penis, especially with increased activity. However, active continuous bleeding should be reported to the doctor by calling the office or answering service at (860) 545-9520.

7. Call the doctor at (860) 545-9520 if any signs of infection occur, such as increasing, spreading redness, a fever of 101.5° or greater, or increasing pain.

8. Stitches, if present, will dissolve on their own or pop off over the first week  or so after surgery. You may notice some redness along the incision at that time. This is normal.

9. Strong pain medicine ,like codeine or another narcotic, may be prescribed for your son.  Generally, most boys do well with only a few doses of this medicine.  Many will only require some medication like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Motrin( ibuprofen) to take care of the pain.  If the narcotic medicine is used, your son may become constipated and If Tylenol with codeine has been prescribed for discomfort, give this medication with food as it may irritate the stomach. Also, give your child extra juices or finger foods, such as raisins, fruits, vegetables, and salads, which will help prevent constipation from the codeine.

10. Call the Urology office to schedule a surgical follow-up appointment within 2 to 3 weeks of surgery.

11. Your child may return to school or day care but should be restricted from riding toys, bikes, and participating in gym and sports until recommended by his doctor or until after the surgical follow-up visit.