How many days of hospitalization are required for minimally invasive surgery for pediatric hernia?

Under normal circumstances, if recovery goes smoothly after minimally invasive surgery for pediatric hernia, the hospital stay is typically 1–3 days. However, if postoperative complications such as wound infection or significant pain occur, the hospitalization may extend to about 5 days. If there are concerns, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Most children show no abnormalities during preoperative examinations and undergo smooth surgical procedures. They can get out of bed within 6–12 hours after surgery, resume normal eating, urination, and bowel movements, and have clean incisions without redness, swelling, or discharge. In such cases, discharge is usually possible after 1–2 days of postoperative observation. The advantages of minimally invasive surgery—minimal trauma and rapid recovery—effectively shorten hospital stays, reduce discomfort for the child, and ease the burden on family care.

If the child is very young (e.g., an infant), has a weak constitution, or experiences mild wound redness and swelling, persistent crying, or other factors that affect recovery, the hospital stay may need to be extended to 3–5 days so that medical staff can closely monitor the wound and promptly address any potential issues. For some children with underlying medical conditions, recovery may be slower, requiring individualized adjustment of hospitalization duration based on actual progress, ensuring stability before discharge.

Prior to surgery, all required tests should be completed according to medical instructions to rule out contraindications. After surgery, proper wound care is essential; prevent the child from scratching the wound to avoid infection. Regular follow-up visits are necessary after discharge. If any wound abnormalities or unusual crying behaviors are observed, prompt return to the hospital for evaluation is advised.