Postoperative Care Instructions for Vesicostomy

These instructions are general guidelines and specific changes or instructions for each patient may differ. Please follow instructions given by the child’s surgeon and CHOC Urology Center staff.

Thank you for choosing CHOC for surgery. Vesicostomy procedures are performed in an operating room and are normally completed on an outpatient basis, and do not require an overnight stay in the hospital.

Diet

Patients only consume clear liquids immediately after surgery and then progress to a regular diet as tolerated. The anesthesia can cause some stomach discomfort and nausea.

Pain Management

Patients may be sent home with Tylenol #3 to be taken as needed for pain. Most children need it for one to three days. If the doctor prescribed Tylenol #3 (with codeine) tablet or elixir, please try to give it to the patient as little as possible because codeine can cause constipation, which can be painful. Miralax is an over the counter stool softener and can be used to relieve constipation if it occurs. Whenever possible, try to use Ibuprofen (also known as Motrin or Advil) instead of the Tylenol #3. Do not take Tylenol #3 and Tylenol at the same time – this can be an overdose and is harmful. If needed, Ibuprofen and ONE Tylenol product can be taken within the same time period. Please contact the CHOC Urology Center with additional questions regarding dosage and timing of pain medication after surgery.

Incision Care

The child may be placed in the bath or swimming pool 24 hours after surgery. Swelling is normal. The vesicostomy will drain urine regularly during the day and night and a diaper or other absorbent cloth should be placed in the area to keep the child dry.

Activity Restrictions

For two to three weeks after the surgery the child should avoid trauma to the surgical area and avoid rough-housing, contact sports, bicycle riding or physical education. At the child’s follow-up appointment, our staff will provide more specific directions as to when it is safe to return to activities. Most child are able to return to school within a few days of surgery as tolerated.

For more information on how to prepare children of all ages for surgery and what to expect the day of surgery, please read our comprehensive surgery guide.