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. A pacemaker does not stop a hernia repair. The device is checked before the operation and protected during it.
- Instruments that use electric current to seal vessels can confuse the device. So settings may be changed for the operation, then restored afterwards.
- Bring your device card, your latest device check report and your cardiologist's note. Tell the team about every heart medicine you take.
Many people who need a hernia repair also have a pacemaker or an implanted defibrillator, often called an ICD. A common worry is whether the operation is safe for the device.
In most cases it is. This page explains what is checked, what may be changed and what you need to bring.
Why the device matters during surgery
Some surgical tools pass a small electric current to seal blood vessels. This cuts bleeding. A pacemaker or ICD can sometimes read that current as a heart beat.
A pacemaker may then pause for a moment. An ICD may think the heart rhythm is unsafe and give a shock. The steps below stop this from happening.
Steps around the operation for a pacemaker or ICD
Steps around the operation for a pacemaker or ICD
| When | What happens | Who does it |
|---|---|---|
| Before surgery | Device check: battery, wires and settings | Cardiologist or device technician |
| Before surgery | Plan for blood thinners and heart medicines | Cardiologist and surgeon |
| Day of surgery | Settings changed, or ICD shocks paused, if needed | Device technician |
| During surgery | Heart rhythm watched on a monitor throughout | Anaesthetist |
| After surgery | Normal settings restored and device rechecked | Device technician |
Have a pacemaker or ICD and a hernia that needs repair? We plan it with your cardiologist.
What your cardiologist checks
Before the operation, your device is checked to see how much it does for your heart. Some people need it for every beat. Others need it only now and then. This decides the settings used in surgery.
Your heart doctor also looks at your heart and any blood thinners. Many people with a device take one. The plan for it is made before the date is fixed.
During the operation
Your heart rhythm is watched on a monitor the whole time. The team picks settings and tools that keep the current away from the device and its wires. A groin or belly repair is far from a device in the upper chest, which helps.
A pacemaker does not by itself rule out keyhole repair.
What to tell the team and bring
After the operation
If the settings were changed, they are set back before you go home. The device is checked again. Tell the team at once if you feel dizzy or faint, or your heart races or slows.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have hernia surgery with a pacemaker?
Yes, in most cases. The device is checked before the operation and the team takes simple steps to protect it during surgery.
Why does a pacemaker matter during surgery?
Instruments that use electric current to seal blood vessels can confuse the device. The team plans around this.
Will my pacemaker be switched off?
A pacemaker is not usually switched off, but its settings may be changed for the operation. An ICD's shock function is often paused and then restored.
Is keyhole surgery safe with a pacemaker?
A pacemaker does not by itself rule out keyhole repair. The same device precautions apply as for any operation.
What should I bring on the day?
Your device card, the latest device check report, your cardiologist's note and a list of all your heart medicines.
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.