It is common for children to stay in the hospital for 1 week. How long your child stays will probably depend on their level of discomfort after surgery.

Pain is common after the surgery. For the first few days, your child may receive strong pain medicine through an IV (in the vein) or through a catheter placed in the spine (an epidural). After that, pain is usually managed with medicines taken by mouth.

Your child may have tubes in their chest around the incisions. These drain extra fluid that builds up and help the lungs expand. These tubes will remain in place until they stop draining, usually after a few days.

The day after surgery, your child will be encouraged to sit up, take deep breaths, and get out of bed and walk. These activities will all help healing.

At first, your child will not be able to bend, twist, or roll from side to side. The activities they are allowed to do will slowly be increased.

When your child can walk without help, they are probably ready to go home. Before leaving the hospital, you will receive a prescription for pain medicine for your child to fill at a pharmacy.

Improvements in appearance are usually good. Improvements in breathing or ability to exercise varies from patient to patient.