Umbillical hernia repair - 3 year old

[LifeTooShort]

My 3 year old DD is due to have an umbillical hernia repaired. She has had it since she was 4 weeks old and we have waited until now because the majority of UH's close by themselves but we are now advised that there is no chance of it closing and to get it done before DD starts school next September.

Please could you let me know what I should expect with the operation. I am particularly worried about how she will be put to sleep.

Thanks.

My ds2 has own of these, he still has it aged 11 but it has gradually got smaller.

How big is your daughters?

We opted against surgery, the drs said they would be doing it mainly for cosmetic reasons, they just monitored or for a number of years and told us to take him straight to a&e if it ever went red or coudltn be pushes back in when he was lying down.

I think its a fairly minor op tho, the main risk is the game but as she so older that will be less risk now and they give the minimum dose possible etc and she will be in expert hands.

Ds2's has just carried on getting smaller as he got older and his tummy muscles strengthened, he still has an outy belly button and you can feel the hole if you press on it but it is small now, size of a ten pence piece maybe? I haven't felt it for ages actually so am not sure how big it is! It certainly doesn't bother him or cause any problems.

Thanks for your reply. I'd say a 10 pence piece is about the size of it. She complains from time to time that it hurts but it is probably from knocking it rather from any serious complication. I agree it is mainly for cosmetic reasons. You can see it through her ballet dress and we have had a child comment on it at swimming. Whilst it doesn't bother her now - in fact she is very proud of her 'magic belly button' - I doubt she'll thank me for not dealing with it when she wants to wear a bikini as a teenager.

I would definitely not prioritise appearance over the risk of the GA, but I am being advised that the risks are tiny and we should get it done. But I feel sick thinking about it.

Oh bless her, no I agree she may want it done herself when she ai older and it is easier when they are little.

I think it probably is slightly different for a girl, like you say with her clothes its more visible etc and short tops etc as she gets older!

The risk is tiny, you will be nervous but she will be fine.

My ds1 had to have a general at 11 for an emergency op, o was terrified but he was fine.

I can't comment on the uh side of things but ds1 had a tongue tie snipped under GA when he was 18 months.

As you say the risks are tiny but you can't help but worry I was rather anxious. For us he went into a day unit, filled in all the paperwork etc, then as he was the youngest they sent him down first (as he was running round the place and causing havoc).

We went into the operating theatre area and left dh in the reception type place and I went into a little side room connected to the theatre. Was a nurse and an anethitist in there and a bed in the middle of the room. I sat on a chair with him sort of laid on my knee. The nurse held a little toy/puppet up to keep his attention while the mask came from behind and over his face, I think he counted a little then he was asleep.

The TT op was over in no time about half an hour then they called us through and he was wake shouting at a nurse trying to hold him! I think he was a bit confused/scared/groggy when he woke up and we weren't there but within half an hour he was trundling about playing with the toys I was v surprised how quick he bounced back!

Hope this helps and all goes smoothly!