Post-Operative Instructions: Meatotomy/Meatoplasty

ACTIVITY
Quiet activity for 10 days.  When your child is comfortable, he may return to school (approximately 2-4 days).  Your child should avoid roughhousing, running, climbing, bicycle riding, swimming, straddle toys etc., for 3-4 weeks.  It is important to avoid bumping the surgical area until healing has taken place.  Remember, children often feel better BEFORE healing is complete.

CARE OF INCISION
Begin giving a warm bath 48 hours after surgery and everyday thereafter, rinse well (use Ivory or any mild soap).  Do not scrub penis, just wash gently. Your child may go without wearing pants for a day or so for more comfort.  Do not use baby powder, Vaseline, or other ointments not approved by your doctor.  Spread opening of penis four times a day until seen by the doctor.

STITCHES
The stitches dissolve by themselves, but may not entirely dissolve for several months.   Do not worry if urinary stream is split.  This is normal as long as the stitches are in place. Discomfort is expected.  Many children will not urinate for several hours.  When this occurs you may place them in a warm tub bath and encourage them to void in the tub (place in tub only if there is trouble voiding, otherwise wait 48 hours).  Apply Neosporin or Bacitracin Ointment  to the tip of the penis and spread over the opening four times a day.  This ointment may be purchased over the counter without a prescription (DO NOT use pain relief Neosporin).

DIET
Clear liquids-soup, Kool-Aid, pop, juice or other liquids for the first afternoon/evening after surgery.  Resume normal diet the next day.

PAIN
May give Tylenol every 4 hours, if needed, for discomfort.

Dose:  
4-11 months 80 mg  = four times/day  
12-23 months 120 mg = four times/day 
Over 2 years Read dosage instructions on bottle  

You will also receive a prescription for Codeine to use if regular Tylenol does not help to relieve the discomfort.

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR

• Swelling that does not gradually lessen (usually swelling should be minimal by one week)
• Any bright red bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure-take your child to the emergency room 
• Fever greater than 102°F

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS
Call our office at (248) 519-0305 for an appointment one week following surgery.