What is open heart defect surgery?

After heart defect repair surgery in children: When to call

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
• Your child has trouble breathing.
• Your child has severe chest pain.
• Your child has sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or coughs up blood.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child is sick to the stomach or cannot keep fluids down.
• Your child has pain that does not get better after taking pain medicine.
• Your child has signs of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the incision.
  • Pus draining from the incision.
  • A fever.
• Your child has loose stitches, or the incision comes open.
• Your child is bleeding a lot from the incision.
• Your child has symptoms of a blood clot in the arm or leg. These may include:
  • Pain in the arm, calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
  • Redness and swelling in the arm, leg, or groin.
• Your child has sudden weight gain in 2 to 3 days. Your child's doctor can tell you how much weight gain to watch for.
• Your child has increased swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if your child has any problems.