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. Well-controlled epilepsy does not stop a planned hernia repair. The key is to keep taking your fit medicines on time.
- Take your fit medicine at the usual time on the day of surgery, with a sip of water, even while fasting, unless told otherwise.
- Tell the team when your last fit happened, what your fits look like and what triggers them. This helps them plan safe anaesthesia.
People with epilepsy often worry that an operation or anaesthesia will bring on a fit. For most, a hernia repair can be done safely with a little planning.
This page explains what to tell the team and how to handle your medicines.
What the team needs to know
Tell your surgeon and anaesthetist about your epilepsy at the first visit. They will ask what your fits look like, how often they happen and when the last one was.
Bring the names and doses of all your fit medicines. A note from your neurologist is useful if your fits are frequent or your medicines were changed recently.
Epilepsy around hernia surgery
Epilepsy around hernia surgery
| When | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| At the first review | Share your fit history and medicine list | The team plans around your epilepsy |
| Night before | Sleep well; take medicines as usual | Poor sleep can trigger a fit |
| Morning of surgery | Take fit medicine with a sip of water | A missed dose raises fit risk |
| After surgery | Restart medicines at the usual times | Keeps the level in your blood steady |
| At home | Have someone with you for the first night | Help is close if a fit happens |
Have epilepsy and a hernia that needs repair? Bring your medicine list and your neurologist's note.
Do not miss your fit medicine
You will be asked not to eat for some hours before surgery. This does not include your fit medicine. Take it at the usual time with a sip of water, unless the team gives you a different plan.
A missed dose is one of the most common reasons for a fit around an operation.
Other things that can trigger a fit
Lack of sleep, stress, missing meals and some medicines can lower the fit threshold. The anaesthetist chooses medicines with this in mind.
Try to sleep well before the operation. Tell the team if you feel your usual warning signs.
If you have a fit after surgery
A fit after a hernia repair is uncommon. If one happens, it can strain the wound and cause pain. It rarely damages a mesh repair.
Tell the team or come back to hospital. They will check you, the wound and your medicine levels. Do not drive until both your surgeon and your neurologist say it is safe.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have hernia surgery if I have epilepsy?
Yes, in most cases. Epilepsy that is well controlled does not usually stop a planned hernia repair.
Should I take my fit medicine on the day of surgery?
Yes, usually. Take it at your normal time with a sip of water, even while fasting, unless the team says otherwise.
Can anaesthesia cause a fit?
It is uncommon. Missed medicines, lack of sleep and stress are bigger triggers. The anaesthetist plans around your epilepsy.
Can a fit after surgery damage the repair?
It is unlikely, but it can strain the wound and cause pain. Tell the team, so they can check you and the wound.
What if I cannot swallow my tablets after surgery?
This is rare after a hernia repair. If it happens, the team will give your medicine another way.
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.