After the operation
IV and diet
When your child returns from the operating room, they will have an intravenous (IV) tube. An IV is used to give medicine and fluids your child needs the first few days after surgery. At first, your child will be allowed only sips of clear fluids. Over the next day or two your child will gradually return to a normal diet. Infants will go back to breast or formula feedings. After you child is eating and drinking well and the IV antibiotics are no longer needed, then the IV tube will be taken out.
A urinary or Foley catheter
A urinary catheter, sometimes called a Foley, will also be in place for two or three days after your child has surgery. The catheter is a small tube that goes in through the urethra and into the bladder. All the urine that would normally be collected in the bladder drains out through this tube into a urine bag. The catheter will be securely taped to your child's leg.
Stents
Your child may also have an internal stent. A stent is a small plastic tube that sits inside the ureter to keep it open. You will not be able to see the stent because it is inside the ureter. Not all children need a stent. Your urologist can tell you if your child needs a stent or not. After your child has completely healed, the stent will be surgically removed. This may happen as much as six weeks after the pyeloplasty.
The incision site
Your child's incision, the place where the surgeon cut through the skin, will be covered with a dressing that stays on for five days after surgery. The stitches are usually dissolvable, so they do not need to be removed. A drain called a Penrose drain may be attached to the belly, close to the incision. It takes away extra fluid that may have collected during surgery. This drain looks a lot like a thick elastic band. It will be stitched in place and covered with a piece of gauze. It is usually removed the day before your child goes home.
Managing your child's pain
There are several ways to control a child's pain after a pyeloplasty. The one used will depend on your child's age and what they need. At first, all pain medicine is given directly through your child's IV tube. When your child feels better, the pain medicine will be given by mouth. Needles are not used for pain medicine.
