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. Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis rarely rules out a hernia repair. It is planned for a time when your bowel is calm.
- During a flare, a planned repair usually waits. Diarrhoea, pain and poor eating slow healing, so the bowel is settled first.
- Some bowel medicines are paused for a short time and some continue. Never stop or change any of them on your own.
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis cause swelling in the bowel. People with them may have pain, loose stools and weight loss. Many take medicines that calm the immune system.
Some also had bowel surgery in the past, and a hernia can form in an old scar. This page explains how a hernia repair is planned around these conditions.
Why a calm bowel matters
During a flare, the body is under strain. Poor eating, diarrhoea and weight loss all slow healing. A planned repair is safer once the flare has settled.
A stuck or very painful hernia is different. That is an emergency, and it is treated at once.
Your medicines need a plan
Medicines that calm the bowel can also slow wound healing a little and make infection more likely. So some are paused for a short time and some carry on.
Your bowel doctor and surgeon decide this together. You get a written plan for each medicine. If you take steroid tablets, they must never be stopped suddenly.
Crohn's or colitis around a hernia repair
Crohn's or colitis around a hernia repair
| What is planned | Why it matters | Who decides |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | A calm bowel heals better | Surgeon and bowel doctor |
| Bowel medicines | Some slow healing or raise infection risk | Bowel doctor and surgeon |
| Steroid tablets | Must not be stopped suddenly | Surgeon and anaesthetist |
| Weight and protein | Low levels slow healing | Surgeon and dietitian |
| Past bowel surgery | Old scars change the plan | Surgeon |
Have Crohn's or colitis and a hernia? Bring your bowel doctor's notes, operation notes and medicine list to the first visit.
If you had bowel surgery before
Earlier bowel operations leave scars inside and outside the belly. Your surgeon looks at these when choosing between open or keyhole repair.
Bring your old operation notes and scan reports. If you have a stoma, tell the team, as a bulge around it is planned in its own way.
Building up before the date
If you have lost weight, the team may advise more protein and extra nutrition drinks before surgery. A dietitian can help with a plan that suits your bowel. Small, regular meals are often easier.
After surgery, tell the team early if your bowel symptoms return. Call at once if the wound becomes red or leaks, or if you get a fever.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have hernia surgery with Crohn's or colitis?
Yes. Most people with these conditions have a hernia repair safely when the bowel is calm and well controlled.
Should I wait if my bowel disease is flaring?
Usually yes, for a planned repair. A stuck or very painful hernia is treated at once, even during a flare.
Do I stop my bowel medicines before surgery?
Not on your own. Some may be paused for a short time and some continue. Your bowel doctor and surgeon decide.
I have had bowel surgery before. Does it matter?
Yes. Old scars and earlier operations change how the repair is planned. Bring your operation notes.
Why does my weight matter?
Weight loss and low protein slow healing. The team may help you build up your strength first.
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.