Open Bowel Resection in Children: What to Expect at Home

Part of your child's large or small intestine (bowel) has been taken out. Your child is likely to have pain that comes and goes for the next few days.

Your child may have bowel cramps, and the cut (incision) may hurt.

Your child may feel tired and nauseated. This is common. Your child should feel better after a week and will probably be back to normal in 2 to 4 weeks.

• Make sure that your child rests when tired. Getting enough sleep will help with recovery. Have your child sleep with their head raised on three or four pillows. Your child can also try to sleep with their head up in a lounger chair. Don't let your child sleep on the side or stomach.
• Take your child for a walk each day. Make each walk a little longer than the day before. Bit by bit, increase the amount your child walks. Walking boosts blood flow and helps prevent pneumonia and constipation.
• Your child should not ride a bike, play running games, or take part in gym class until your doctor says it is okay.
• Your child may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if the doctor okays it. Your child should not take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until the doctor tells you it is okay.

• Your child may not have much appetite after the surgery. But try to have your child eat healthy foods. The doctor will tell you about any foods your child should not eat.
• Have your child eat a low-fiber diet for several weeks after surgery. Give your child many small meals throughout the day. Add high-fiber foods a little at a time.
• Encourage your child to eat yogurt. It puts good bacteria into the colon and helps prevent diarrhea.
• Make sure that your child avoids nuts, seeds, and corn for a while. They may be hard to digest.
• Your child may need to take vitamins that contain sodium and potassium. Ask your doctor.
• Make sure that your child drinks plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.

• Your doctor will tell you if and when your child can restart any medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about your child taking any new medicines.
• Give pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• If you think the pain medicine is making your child sick to the stomach:
  • Give your child the medicine after meals (unless your child's doctor tells you not to).
  • Ask your child's doctor for a different pain medicine.
• If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• You may need to give your child some medicines in a different form. You will be told whether to crush pills or give your child a liquid form of the medicine.
• If the doctor gives your child a stool softener, give it as directed.

• If your child has strips of tape on the incision the doctor made, leave the tape on until it falls off.
• Gently wash the area daily with warm, soapy water, and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the area with a gauze bandage if it oozes or rubs against clothing.
• Change the bandage every day or if it gets wet or dirty.