Question
A newborn is diagnosed with an umbilical hernia at thirty days old and requires surgery. However, parents are concerned that during the hot weather, the baby might catch a cold due to overheating, which could affect the umbilical hernia surgery or postoperative recovery.
Answer
It is generally recommended that other health conditions of the newborn be well-controlled before surgery. If the baby shows symptoms of a cold, it is advised to wait until the cold has healed before proceeding with the surgery, ensuring that the operation is performed when the baby’s condition is at its best, which is a safeguard for life safety. Performing surgery during a cold could have adverse effects on the postoperative recovery, leading to a slower healing process.