Incision and curettage of eyelid chalazion

A chalazion is a small lump on the eyelid formed by a blockage and/or infection of a meibomian (oil) gland. If this problem does not respond to simple measures, surgery is required - the chalazion may not go away without this surgery.

Length of hospital stay

An overnight stay in hospital is not normally needed.

Preparation for surgery

Your child's anaesthetist will meet with you and your child before the operation to outline the type of anaesthesia, and will welcome any questions you  have. A premedication may be ordered at this time. This usually takes the form of a medicine to be swallowed that will provide pain relief, sedation or both. If it is planned to start the anaesthesia by injection, local anaesthetic cream can be put on at this time to numb the area of skin where the intravenous needle/drip is to be put in.

Length of procedure

Your child will be away from you for approximately 30 - 45 minutes.

After surgery

Your child will return from theatre wearing an eye pad.  The doctor will tell you how long this must be kept in place. The eye doctor may review your child before discharge. Your child will need to stay in the Day Surgery Ward for approximately 1 - 2 hours after surgery but may need to stay a little longer.

IV drip and vomiting

Your child may return from theatre with an Intravenous Cannula (IV drip) in their hand. If they continue to vomit, medication may be given via the drip after they return to the ward. The nurse will remove the drip before your child goes home (approximately 1 ½ hours after the operation).

Pain relief

Paracetamol (panadol) will be given to your child before the surgery. It is suggested that pain relief be continued 4 to 6 hourly as recommended for the next 24 hours. If this pain relief is not adequate, please contact your family doctor.

Diet and fluids

There is no need for a special diet following this procedure, but it is recommended your child not eat greasy foods as these may cause vomiting. Do not be concerned if your child vomits once or twice after leaving hospital, but if they are unable to keep fluids down and continues to vomit, please contact your family doctor.

Follow up appointments

There is usually no follow up appointment with your child's doctor unless the chalazion recurs but if you are concerned or if your child is having problems, please contact your family doctor.

Discharge care

The eyelid may be swollen for 1 - 2 days and the lump may persist for 1 - 2 weeks.
Bleeding beneath the eye pad is common. If fresh bleeding occurs press the eyelid on the bone closest to the lid with a wad of tissues.
Do NOT press on the eye and do NOT wipe any clot away from the eye.
If bleeding continues, please contact the Hospital on (08) 8161 7000 (24 hours).

Your doctor will prescribe eye ointment for you to take home and the nurse will explain how to apply it. If you need to clean the eye at home, use cotton wool balls and boiled water that has been cooled or a saline solution from your local pharmacy.

Always wash your hands before and after cleaning and treating the eye.

Return to school and sport

Your child should be ready to return to school and sport after one or two days.

If you have any concerns after discharge please telephone the Paediatric Day Unit (08) 8161 7448, Monday - Friday, 7.30am - 6.30pm, or see your family doctor.

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