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
- No, in most cases. Keep taking your cholesterol tablet, including the night before and the evening after surgery, unless the team says otherwise.
- High cholesterol on its own does not make hernia surgery riskier. What matters more is whether your heart or blood vessels are affected.
- If you also take aspirin or another blood thinner, tell the team early. They will tell you whether to keep it going or pause it.
Many adults take a tablet to lower their cholesterol. The most common kind is a statin, such as atorvastatin or rosuvastatin.
A common question before a hernia operation is whether to stop it. For most people the answer is no.
Why you should keep taking it
A statin helps protect the heart and blood vessels. That protection matters around an operation too.
Stopping it suddenly gives no benefit for the surgery. Studies suggest that people who keep taking it have fewer heart problems around the time of surgery.
Take it at your usual time. If you take it at night, take it the night before and the evening after the operation.
Does high cholesterol raise the risk?
High cholesterol on its own does not make a hernia repair harder. It does not slow wound healing.
What matters is whether it has affected your heart or blood vessels. If you have had chest pain, a heart attack or a stent, tell your surgeon. A heart check may be needed first.
A hard, painful lump that will not go back, with vomiting, needs the emergency department the same day.
Other tablets to mention
Many people on a statin also take aspirin or another blood thinner. These affect bleeding. The team will tell you whether to keep them or pause them.
Fish oil and some herbal pills can also thin the blood a little. They are often stopped a week before surgery.
Bring every tablet, or a clear list, to your first visit.
Common cholesterol and heart tablets around hernia surgery
| Tablet | Usual advice | Ask the team if |
|---|---|---|
| Statin (for example atorvastatin) | Keep taking it | You have new muscle pain |
| Ezetimibe | Usually kept going | You are told to fast for long |
| Aspirin | Often kept going | You had a heart stent recently |
| Other blood thinner | Often paused for a few days | You are not sure when to stop |
| Fish oil or herbal pills | Often paused a week before | You take them every day |
Have high cholesterol and a hernia? Bring your list of tablets and your latest blood test.
Open or keyhole repair
Both are suitable. Your cholesterol does not change the choice. The type of hernia, its size and your general health decide it.
A mesh is the usual choice to lower the chance of the hernia coming back.
After surgery
Restart any paused tablets on the day the team gives you. Keep your statin going.
Rare muscle pain from a statin can feel like normal soreness after surgery. If you get aches all over, or dark urine, call the team.
Walk a little more each day. A diet with vegetables, fruit and whole grains helps your cholesterol and keeps you regular.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take my statin on the morning of surgery?
Yes. Take it at your usual time. If you take it at night, take it the night before.
Does high cholesterol slow wound healing?
No. High cholesterol on its own does not slow healing or make the repair harder.
Should I stop fish oil before hernia surgery?
Often yes, about a week before, as it can thin the blood a little. Ask the team.
What if I get muscle pain after surgery?
Some soreness is normal. Aches all over or dark urine can come from the statin, so call the team.
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.