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. A medicine, latex or plaster allergy rarely stops a hernia repair. The team simply chooses other medicines and materials that are safe for you.
- Write down each allergy: the medicine, what happened, when, and how it was treated. Old notes or a hospital card help a great deal.
- Feeling sick or loose stools after a tablet is usually a side effect. A rash, swelling of the face or wheezing suggests a true allergy.
Many people have had a reaction to a medicine at some point. Some are true allergies. Others are side effects that feel unpleasant but are not dangerous.
This page explains how an allergy fits into planning a hernia repair, and what you need to tell the team.
Allergy or side effect
A side effect is a known, unwanted effect of a medicine. Feeling sick, a headache or loose stools are common examples.
An allergy is the body's defence system reacting to the medicine. It can cause a rash, itching, swelling of the lips or face, or trouble breathing. Both are worth telling the team, but they are handled differently.
Allergies and what changes for a hernia repair
Allergies and what changes for a hernia repair
| Allergy | What the team does | Tell them |
|---|---|---|
| Antibiotic | Uses a different antibiotic before surgery | At the first visit |
| Painkiller | Plans other pain relief for home | At the first visit |
| Latex | Arranges a latex-free theatre | Well before the day |
| Sticking plaster | Uses a different dressing | On the day |
| Past reaction to anaesthesia | Anaesthetist reviews old notes | Before the anaesthesia check |
Have a medicine, latex or plaster allergy and a hernia that needs repair? Bring a written list to the review.
How to record your allergy
On the day of surgery
You will be asked about allergies more than once. This is a safety check, not a mistake. You may be given a coloured wristband.
If you had a reaction during an earlier anaesthetic, tell the anaesthetist. They may ask for the old notes before your operation.
After the operation
Check the name of any new tablet given at home. If you develop a rash, swelling or itching, stop the new tablet and call the team.
Swelling of the face or trouble breathing is an emergency. Go to the nearest emergency department at once.
Add any new reaction to your written list, so it is ready for your next visit to any doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have hernia surgery if I have a medicine allergy?
Yes. Most allergies are easy to plan around. Other medicines that do the same job are used instead.
What should I tell the team about my allergy?
The name of the medicine, what happened, when it happened and how it was treated. Bring any old notes.
Is feeling sick after a tablet an allergy?
Usually not. Feeling sick or loose stools are often side effects. A rash, swelling or breathing trouble suggests allergy.
What if I am allergic to latex or sticking plaster?
Tell the team early. A latex-free theatre and different dressings can be arranged before the day.
Can I be allergic to the mesh?
A true mesh allergy is very rare. Redness after surgery is far more often normal healing or an infection.
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.