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
- Yes, in most cases. If your thyroid level is steady on treatment, a planned hernia repair can usually go ahead as usual.
- Bring a recent thyroid blood test. If it is far from normal, the planned operation may wait until your doctor adjusts the tablet.
- Most people take their usual thyroid tablet on the morning of surgery with a sip of water, unless the team says something different.
Thyroid problems are common, especially in women. Many people who need a hernia repair also take a thyroid tablet every day.
This page explains how a thyroid problem fits into planning the operation, and what you need to bring.
Why the thyroid matters for surgery
The thyroid gland sets the pace of the body. When it is too slow, people feel tired, cold and slow to recover. When it is too fast, the heart can race and the body is under strain.
Either can make anaesthesia and healing harder. So for a planned repair, the team likes your thyroid level to be steady first.
Thyroid checks before a planned hernia repair
Thyroid checks before a planned hernia repair
| Situation | What usually happens | Who decides |
|---|---|---|
| Underactive thyroid, level steady | Surgery goes ahead; tablet taken as usual | Surgeon and anaesthetist |
| Underactive thyroid, level far off | Tablet adjusted, surgery planned after | Physician |
| Overactive thyroid | Brought under control before a planned repair | Physician |
| Large goitre in the neck | Neck checked; X-ray or scan if needed | Anaesthetist |
| Hernia stuck and painful | Treated the same day; thyroid managed alongside | Surgeon and team |
Have a thyroid problem and a hernia that needs repair? Bring your latest thyroid report to the review.
If your thyroid is underactive
This is the most common thyroid problem. If your level is steady on your tablet, the operation can usually go ahead as planned.
Most people take their tablet as usual on the morning of surgery with a sip of water. Follow the exact instructions you are given. Do not change the dose on your own.
If your thyroid is overactive
An overactive thyroid needs control before a planned operation. Surgery and anaesthesia can make a racing heart worse.
Your physician will treat it first. Once your blood tests and pulse are settled, the hernia repair can be planned.
A swelling in the neck
A large thyroid swelling, called a goitre, can press on the windpipe. This matters when the anaesthetist places a breathing tube.
Tell the team if you have a neck swelling, a change in your voice or noisy breathing. The anaesthetist will check your neck and may ask for a X-ray or scan.
What to bring to your review
Frequently asked questions
Can I have hernia surgery with hypothyroidism?
Yes, in most cases. If your thyroid level is steady on your tablet, a planned hernia repair can usually go ahead.
Should I take my thyroid tablet on the day of surgery?
Most people take it as usual with a sip of water. Follow the instructions your surgeon or anaesthetist gives you.
What if my thyroid is overactive?
An overactive thyroid can make the heart race. A planned repair usually waits until it is brought under control.
Does a goitre matter for anaesthesia?
A large swelling in the neck can press on the windpipe. The anaesthetist checks it and may ask for a X-ray or scan.
Does a thyroid problem cause a hernia?
Not directly. But weight gain, constipation and weak muscles from an untreated thyroid can add strain to the belly wall.
Related pages
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
Bring your reports. Second opinions are welcome.