Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Hernia Surgeon · Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar · Gota OPD, Ahmedabad
In short
- Yes. Past back surgery rarely stops a hernia repair. The anaesthetist reviews your spine to choose between a spinal and a general anaesthetic.
- A spinal injection can be harder after a fusion with rods or screws. A general or local anaesthetic is then used, and both work well.
- Groin pain can come from a nerve in the back as well as from a hernia. Your surgeon checks which one is causing it.
Many people who need a hernia repair have had back surgery in the past. It might have been for a slipped disc, a narrow spinal canal or a fusion with rods and screws.
A past back operation rarely stops a hernia repair. It changes a few parts of the plan.
Is it the hernia or the back?
Nerves from the lower back supply the groin. So groin pain can come from the spine, even when there is no hernia.
Your surgeon looks for a lump that grows when you cough or stand. If the lump is clear, the pain is likely from the hernia. If there is pain but no lump, a scan may help.
Rarely, a bulge appears near the hip where bone was taken for a spine graft. This is a type of hernia too.
Choosing the anaesthetic
Groin hernias can often be repaired under a spinal anaesthetic. This is an injection in the lower back.
After a fusion with rods or screws, this injection can be harder or not possible. The anaesthetist will look at your spine notes and scans.
A general anaesthetic, or a local one for some open repairs, works well instead.
What past back surgery changes in hernia surgery
| Point to plan | Why it matters | What usually happens |
|---|---|---|
| Fusion with rods or screws | A spinal injection may be hard | General or local anaesthetic |
| Back pain lying flat | Long time on the table | Pillows and careful positioning |
| Front approach spine surgery | Scar inside the belly | Repair method chosen to suit |
| Nerve pain tablets | Stopping suddenly causes problems | Kept going through surgery |
| Recent spine operation | The spine is still healing | Wait unless the hernia is urgent |
Had back surgery and now have a hernia? Bring your spine operation notes and recent back scans to the visit.
Open or keyhole repair
Both can be done. Most back operations are done from behind, so the belly is untouched.
Some spine operations are done from the front, through the belly. These can leave scar inside. Your surgeon takes this into account when choosing the method.
On the table, pillows and padding protect your back. Tell the team if lying flat is painful.
Your medicines
Many people take nerve pain tablets after back surgery. Keep taking them, including on the day of the operation. Stopping them suddenly can cause problems.
If you take strong painkillers every day, tell the team. They plan pain relief for after the operation with this in mind.
Recovery
Get out of bed by rolling to your side first. This protects both the back and the wound.
Walk every day. Avoid heavy lifting for the weeks your surgeon advises.
If your spine operation was recent, a planned hernia repair is usually done once the spine has healed. An urgent hernia is never delayed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a spinal anaesthetic after a spinal fusion?
Sometimes, depending on the level fused. If not, a general or local anaesthetic is used instead.
Could my groin pain be from my back, not a hernia?
Yes, nerves from the lower back supply the groin. A lump that grows on coughing points to a hernia.
Will hernia surgery harm my spine repair?
No. The hernia repair is in the groin or belly wall. Careful positioning protects your back.
How long after back surgery can I have hernia repair?
A planned repair usually waits until the spine has healed. Your spine surgeon helps decide.
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)
Shah's Gastro, Cancer & Robotic Surgery Centre
Apollo Hospital, Bhat, Gandhinagar
Gota OPD, Ahmedabad
Bring your reports. Second opinions are welcome.