Many children undergo operations. The amount of pain an operation causes depends on the kind of surgery and the child. In addition to making your child feel unwell, pain after an operation can slow a child's recovery, slow the return of normal bowel function and interfere with breathing and physical therapy.
The first two days after the operation are usually the worst. After that, things usually start to get better. There are many ways to help children be comfortable after surgery. Ask your child's doctor which ones are right for your child and the operation he or she is having.