It’s natural to feel concerned after your child comes home from surgery. While most recoveries go smoothly, it’s important to know when something may not be right. Here are the signs that mean you should call your child’s surgeon:

1. Fever

A mild temperature is common after surgery. But call your surgeon if:

• Your child has a fever over 38.5°C (101.3°F)
• The fever lasts more than 2 days
• There are other signs of infection

2. Redness, Swelling, or Discharge

If the surgical wound becomes increasingly red, swollen, painful, or starts to ooze pus or foul-smelling fluid, this may be a sign of infection.

3. Increased Pain

Some pain is expected, but if your child’s pain suddenly gets worse or isn’t helped by prescribed medications, contact your doctor.

4. Vomiting or Refusal to Eat

Persistent vomiting, not eating or drinking, or signs of dehydration (dry lips, no tears, less urine) are red flags that should be addressed.

5. Bleeding

Call immediately if there is:

• Bleeding that soaks through the dressing
• Fresh bleeding from the wound
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop with light pressure

6. Trouble Breathing or Extreme Fatigue

Seek urgent medical care if your child is:

• Breathing rapidly or with difficulty
• Very sleepy and hard to wake
• Extremely pale or weak

7. Behavioral Changes

If your child seems unusually irritable, confused, or much less active than usual, don’t ignore these signs.