VEPTR Treatment: What to Expect

Surgery

Prior to Surgery

• Talk to your doctor about your child’s medications/vitamins/herbs. Some may need to be discontinued a week prior to surgery.
• Discuss any possible bleeding disorders or other medical conditions that could impact surgery or anesthesia.
• Do not give your child anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before the surgery.
• Blood samples are taken in case your child needs a blood transfusion.

Day of the Surgery

• Do not allow your child to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the surgery.
• Only give your child medications that the surgeon has recommended with a small sip of water.
• You will receive a call from the hospital about arrival time.

After Surgery

Your child will remain in the hospital for 10 to 14 days following the procedure. At first, your child will be admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for monitoring. In some cases, a ventilator may be used for a few days, but this is temporary.

• A dressing will cover your child's surgical site for the next few days, and it must be kept dry. Only allow your child a sponge bath.
• There will be soreness around the surgical site during the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery.
• Your child will be prescribed antibiotics to take while he or she recovers.
• Walking is encouraged, based on your child’s energy level.
• Your child will feel better after the first week, but he or she must take precautions when performing certain activities.

Recovery: What to Expect in the Next Few Weeks

Most children will be fully recovered in one month and can resume some normal activities. Most children should avoid strenuous activity that involves a lot of twisting and contact sports like football. Your child's rod must be adjusted or replaced over time. This is also a minimally invasive surgery which requires an overnight hospital stay.

Question & Answer

Below, find answers to commonly asked questions. Click each item to expand the Q&A for each section.