Pain Management after Urology Procedures

We believe all children have a right to the best pain management that can be safely provided. The goal is to recognize pain and treat it successfully.

Your child may have pain after surgery. Sometimes we cannot help a child to be totally pain free, but we will help each child to be as comfortable as possible.

The hours following surgery can be a challenging time to manage pain. When your child wakes up in the Peri-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), they may not be in pain. During the procedure, the urologist may use a medicine to numb the area around the surgical site. This medicine can be placed directly on the skin or injected into the nerves around the surgical area. The numbness may last from several hours to 24 hours. When this medicine begins to wear off, your child may have a tingling or itching feeling around the surgery site. When this medicine completely wears off, your child may be uncomfortable and experience pain. This is normal. 

Below is a list of medicines that your child may take after surgery: 

Acetaminophen (Tylenol®, Pandol®, Tempra®)

• Pain reliever for mild to moderate pain. 

• For the first 3 days after surgery, give your child this medicine as prescribed. 

• This medicine can be given every 4-6 hours. Do not give sooner than 4 hours from the last dose.

• After 3 days, only give this medicine to your child when needed. 

• Follow the dosage instructions on the label. 

Ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®)

• Pain reliever to treat pain and swelling. 

• Ask your surgeon if your child is allowed to take ibuprofen.

• For the first 3 days after surgery, give your child this medicine as prescribed. 

• After 3 days, only give this medicine to your child when needed. 

• This medicine can be given every 6-8 hours. Do not give sooner than 6 hours from the last dose.

• Follow the dosage instructions on the label. 

Instructions for timing pain medicines

If you are using both ibuprofen and acetaminophen it is important to keep track of which medicine you gave and when. You do not want to give too much of either medicine

The easiest way to remember is to give one medicine every three hours.

• Example:

  If you give ibuprofen at 1pm, you can give acetaminophen at 4pm and then ibuprofen again at 7pm.

Ibuprofen at 1:00pm	Acetaminophen at 4:00pm	Next ibuprofen at 7:00pm

Can my child have an allergic reaction to the medicine? 

• Yes! If your child has difficulty breathing or swelling of the lips or tongue, call 911. 

• If your child has itching, hives, or a rash, stop the medicine and call your surgeon’s office.

Common side effects of medicines:

• Nausea: Some medicines make children feel sick to their stomach. To prevent this, have your child eat before taking the medicine. If he vomits after taking the medicine, do not give another dose until the next prescribed time. 

• Constipation: Some medicines make it hard for children to have a bowel movement (poop). If your child does not have a bowel movement or is having difficulty, have him eat foods with fiber such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. He should also drink lots of water. 

Opioid medicine

If you cannot manage your child’s pain with acetaminophen and ibuprofen, please call our office at 215-590-2754. Your child may need medicine for severe pain. Opioid medicine requires a prescription from your surgeon.

Opioid medicines have the risk of addiction and overdose

• Risk is higher in people who suffer from a mental health disorder, or have a substance use disorder. 

• Do not take with benzodiazepines, alcohol or other medicines. This may decrease your child’s breathing. 

Helpful tips to reduce pain:

• Make sure your child is in a comfortable position. 

• Apply ice.

• Use as directed by your surgeon.

• Use ice when your child is awake.

• Do not place it directly on your child’s skin. Place a thin towel between his skin and the ice pack.

• Use ice once an hour, for 15 minutes.

Division of Urology

Monday-Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm: 215-590-2754 

Weekends, Evenings, Holidays: 215-590-1000. Ask to speak with the urology provider on call.

Reviewed February 2024 by Lauren Schutz, PA-C