Uncomplicated appendicectomy discharge information sheet

Paracetamol should be given regularly for 48 hours. It can be given as needed afterwards if your child experiences discomfort.

If your child is experiencing discomfort whilst having regular Paracetamol, then you may also give Ibuprofen. Your nurse will advise you when it is safe to start giving Ibuprofen at home. 

This is because your child may have had intravenous Ibuprofen during surgery which is effective for at least 12 hours.

Please follow dosage instructions on the packaging for these medications.

If your child has a reaction to Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, discuss alternative options with your doctor. If your child cannot take medication orally, Paracetamol suppositories may be an alternative. 

For the first 24-48 hours children can experience severe shoulder pain from the gas used in keyhole surgery. This pain can be managed with laying on their side, taking short walks and using cold or warm packs rather than pain relief.

No antibiotics are needed.

Leave dressings in place for 7-10 days.

If they fall off earlier, they do not need to be replaced, You can put a band-aid over the wounds until the 7-10 days are complete. 

The stitches in the wounds are dissolvable. If the wounds were glued, then your child should not scratch at the glue. 

Watch for redness, swelling, ooze or blood from wounds – if this occurs see your GP or doctor. 

Your child can shower after leaving the hospital. 

Gently pat the dressings dry afterwards. 

Avoid baths and swimming until dressing are removed.

Normal healthy foods – can have foods high in fibre to reduce the risk of constipation. 

Your child should have plenty of fluids to drink, walking and increased fibre in foods.

Stool softeners or suppositories from the chemist can be useful if constipation persists. 

See your GP if concerned.

Your child can have vaccines from 1 week after surgery if they are feeling well. 

 Once your child is comfortable and does require pain relief, then they may return to school. 

Children may need up to a 1 week off school after leaving hospital.

Their school bag may need to be carried for them for 3 weeks if it is heavy.

No contact sports, heavy lifting or strenuous activity up to 3 weeks after surgery (including trampolines, bikes and scooters).  

Activities where your child is in control and can stop if they experience discomfort are usually OK.  You can tell your child “If it hurts don’t do it”. 

Avoid rough activities with siblings, family and/or friends. 

When your child is in the car, they should wear their seatbelt as normal with no extra padding. Booster seats can be used as normal. 

If your child is old enough to drive, they can resume driving when there is no more abdominal discomfort.

It is ok to seek help if you are worried about your child. 

General issues: fevers above 37.5 degrees and increased discomfort that is unrelieved by Paracetamol and Ibuprofen. 

Wound issues: redness, swelling, ooze or bleeding 

Abdominal issues: Vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, pain with urination and a swollen abdomen.

Some discomfort is expected after surgery, however if your child’s discomfort is not relieved by Paracetamol and Ibuprofen then see your doctor or hospital emergency department. 

GP: wound checks, increased discomfort and management of constipation

Hospital Emergency Department (ED): if your child has a fever above 37.5 degrees, vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty passing urine, swollen abdomen and/or increased onset of pain within 6 weeks of surgery. You should also come to ED if your GP is unavailable. 

24hr Advice Health Direct on 1800 022 222 if you are worried and unsure about whether to see a doctor.

Emergency 000: urgent issues such as any difficulties with breathing, loss of consciousness or intense pain.