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
- Bring every herbal, ayurvedic and over-the-counter product you take to the visit. Some are paused before surgery and some continue.
- These products still act on the body. A few affect bleeding, sugar, blood pressure or how sleepy you feel after the anaesthetic.
- Products are often stopped about a week before the date. Your team gives you the exact day to stop each one.
Many people take something that did not come on a prescription: an ayurvedic or herbal preparation, a vitamin, a tonic or a powder.
These belong in your medicine list. This page explains why the team asks about them before a hernia repair, and what usually happens next.
Why they belong in the list
Anything you swallow regularly can act on the body. The team is not judging what you take. They need the full picture before an anaesthetic.
Some mixed preparations do not list everything they contain. That is why bringing the packet itself is more useful than trying to recall the name.
The effects that matter
Four things are weighed: bleeding, sugar, blood pressure and drowsiness. A product that thins the blood can mean more oozing during the repair.
One that lowers sugar can swing your levels while you fast. Others nudge blood pressure, or add to the sleepiness of the anaesthetic.
What the team weighs in a herbal or over-the-counter product
What the team weighs in a herbal or over-the-counter product
| Effect looked for | Why it matters | What usually happens |
|---|---|---|
| Effect on bleeding | More oozing during surgery | Paused before the date |
| Effect on sugar | Levels swing while fasting | Reviewed with your physician |
| Effect on blood pressure | Readings move under anaesthetic | Timing adjusted |
| Drowsiness or sedation | Adds to the anaesthetic | Paused before the date |
| Unknown mixture | Contents are not listed | Packet is shown and checked |
Taking herbal, ayurvedic or over-the-counter products? Bring the packets themselves to the pre-operative visit.
How long before the date
As a rule of thumb, products that may affect bleeding are stopped about a week before surgery. Others can be continued to the day before.
You are given a written date to stop each one. If you have already taken something on the morning of surgery, say so. It is better known than hidden.
Starting again after the repair
Most products can be restarted once you are eating normally and the wound is settling. Ask at your follow-up visit rather than guessing.
A few are held back a little longer, usually the ones that affect bleeding. Your team will say which, and from which day.
If anything new is started in the weeks after surgery, mention it then too, so your record stays correct. Keep one written list of everything you take, and carry it to every visit.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stop my herbal medicines before hernia surgery?
Some are paused and some continue. Show the team the actual packets and let them decide.
Why does the team need to know? They are not tablets.
They still act on the body. A few affect bleeding, sugar, blood pressure or how sleepy you feel.
How long before surgery are they usually stopped?
Often about a week before, but it depends on the product. Your team gives you a date to stop.
What about vitamins and protein powders?
Mention them as well. Most are fine, and the team will say which to pause and which to keep.
When can I start them again?
Usually once you are eating normally and healing well. Ask at your follow-up visit before restarting.
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.