Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Hernia Surgeon · Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
In short
You have a date for your hernia repair, and then you fall ill. It is a common worry, and there is a simple first step: tell the team early.
This page explains which illnesses usually move the date, which do not, and why.
A cough strains a fresh repair and makes the chest harder to clear after anaesthesia. A fever or infection anywhere raises the chance of a wound or mesh infection.
A planned hernia repair can safely wait a week or two. That is why the team would rather move the date than operate while you are unwell.
Illness before a planned hernia repair
| Problem | Usually | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mild cold, no fever | Surgery often goes ahead | Tell the team before the day |
| Fever | Postponed until well | Call the clinic |
| Cough with phlegm or chest infection | Postponed until clear | See your doctor and call the clinic |
| Loose motions or vomiting | Often postponed | Call the clinic and drink fluids |
| Boil, rash or cut near the operation site | Often postponed | Show it to the team |
| Very high sugar | May be postponed | Call early so it can be controlled |
| Hernia hard, painful, will not go back | Emergency | Come to hospital at once |
Unwell close to your hernia surgery date? Call the clinic early, so the team can decide with you.
A mild cold with a runny nose and no fever often does not stop surgery. Periods are not a reason to postpone either.
Still tell the team. The anaesthetist will check your chest and decide with you on the day.
If the hernia becomes hard, very painful, red or will not go back, or you are vomiting and cannot pass gas, come to hospital at once. This may be a trapped hernia, and it cannot wait for you to feel better.
Do not let a cold or fever keep you at home in that situation.
Often yes, but tell the team. The anaesthetist decides after checking your chest and breathing on the day.
No. A new date is given once you are well. Moving a planned repair by a week or two for your health is common.
Usually not. Periods are not a reason to postpone. Tell the team so they can plan for your comfort.
Tell the team early. Very high sugar raises the risk of infection, so the date may move until it is controlled.
Ask the team before taking anything new. Some cold tablets and pain relievers can matter for anaesthesia or bleeding.
The main page on this site is hernia surgery in Ahmedabad. These cover the neighbouring questions.
Where to find us
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
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