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
- Most people need a few blood tests and a urine test. An ECG and a chest X-ray are added depending on age and health.
- Not everyone needs every test. The list depends on your age, your health conditions, your medicines and the size of the repair.
- Bring any recent reports from other hospitals. Recent results can often be used again, which saves time and repeat needles.
Before a hernia repair, you will be asked to have some tests. They are not to find the hernia. That is usually done by examination.
These tests check that your body is ready for the anaesthetic and the operation. This page explains the common ones and why they are asked for.
Blood and urine tests
A blood count looks for anaemia or a hidden infection. A sugar test checks for diabetes, which affects wound healing. Kidney and liver tests show how your body will handle medicines.
Many hospitals also test for some infections carried in blood, as a routine safety step for every patient. A urine test looks for infection.
Heart and chest checks
An ECG records the rhythm of the heart. It takes a few minutes and does not hurt. It is usually done for older people, or anyone with heart trouble, high blood pressure or diabetes.
A chest X-ray is done if you have a cough, lung trouble or a heart condition. If the ECG shows a problem, a heart scan may be added.
Common tests before a hernia repair
Common tests before a hernia repair
| Test | What it checks | Usually for |
|---|---|---|
| Blood count | Anaemia and infection | Most people |
| Sugar test | Diabetes and its control | Most people |
| Kidney and liver tests | How the body handles medicines | Most people |
| Clotting test | How well the blood clots | Blood thinners or liver disease |
| ECG | Heart rhythm | Older people or heart trouble |
| Chest X-ray | Lungs and heart size | Cough, lung or heart trouble |
Planning a hernia repair? Bring any recent blood reports, ECG and scans to the first review.
Why not everyone needs every test
A fit young adult having a small groin repair may need only a few tests. An older person with diabetes and heart trouble needs more.
The anaesthetist chooses the tests that will change how they care for you. Tests that would not change the plan are not needed.
Before you come
Bring any reports from the last few months, even from other hospitals. Bring your medicine list too. Ask if you need to fast before the blood test.
If a test shows a problem, such as high sugar or low blood count, the operation may be moved by a few weeks while it is treated. This makes the repair safer.
Frequently asked questions
Which tests are done before hernia surgery?
Usually a few blood tests and a urine test. An ECG and a chest X-ray are added depending on age and health.
Do I need to fast for the blood tests?
Only for some, such as a fasting sugar test. The team will tell you if you need to come without breakfast.
Why is a pregnancy test done?
For women who could be pregnant, it is a routine safety check before any anaesthetic or operation.
Can I use reports from another hospital?
Often, yes, if they are recent. Bring them along. The team will tell you which ones still need repeating.
Do I always need a scan?
No. Most groin and belly hernias are found by examination. A scan is used when the picture is unclear or the hernia is large.
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.