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. Daily painkillers do not stop a hernia repair, but the team must know every one, how often and for how long.
- Do not stop any painkiller on your own before surgery. Some must continue, some need a short pause, and stopping some suddenly causes trouble.
- When the body is used to painkillers, normal doses may not be enough after surgery. The team plans a different mix for the first days.
Many people take pain tablets every day, for back pain, knee pain, nerve pain or headaches. If you need a hernia repair, you may wonder what happens to them.
This page explains what to tell the team, which tablets need care, and how pain after the operation is planned for you.
Tell the team every one
Bring every strip, box, gel and injection you use for pain. Include those bought without a prescription. Say how often you take each one, and for how long.
Some common pain tablets affect the stomach, the kidneys or bleeding. Others make you sleepy or slow your breathing when mixed with anaesthesia. The team can only plan for this if they know.
Do not stop them on your own
Some painkillers should be continued through the operation. Some are paused for a few days. A few cause sweating, restlessness or worse pain if stopped suddenly.
The anaesthetist will tell you which ones to take on the morning of surgery, with a sip of water.
Daily painkillers around a hernia repair
Daily painkillers around a hernia repair
| Question | Usual answer | Who decides |
|---|---|---|
| Tell the team? | Yes, every tablet, gel and injection | You |
| Stop before surgery? | Some yes, some no; by advice only | Anaesthetist |
| Pain plan after surgery? | Often a different mix at first | Anaesthetist and surgeon |
| Constipation? | More likely; fibre, water, gentle laxative | Surgeon and nurses |
| Back to usual tablets? | Once wound pain settles | Surgeon |
Take pain tablets every day and need a hernia repair? Bring every strip or box to the review.
Pain after the operation
When the body is used to painkillers, the usual doses after surgery may not be enough. This is expected, not a weakness.
The team often uses a mix: numbing the wound during the operation, regular simple tablets, and something extra for the first few days. Keyhole repairs usually cause less wound pain than open ones.
At home
Take pain tablets on time, as advised. Painkillers often cause constipation, so drink water, eat fibre and walk a little each day.
Go back to your usual tablets when the team says. Call them if the pain is getting worse instead of better, or if you feel very drowsy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have hernia surgery if I take painkillers every day?
Yes, in most cases. Tell the team every painkiller you take, how often and for how long, so they can plan.
Should I stop my painkillers before surgery?
Not on your own. Some can be stopped, some must be continued, and some need a short pause. The team will tell you.
Will normal pain relief work for me after surgery?
It may need adjusting. When the body is used to painkillers, the team often plans a different mix for the first days.
Can painkillers affect bleeding?
Some common pain tablets affect bleeding, the stomach or the kidneys. That is why the team needs the exact names.
When do I go back to my usual tablets?
The team will tell you. Most people return to their usual plan once the wound pain settles.
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.