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
- During treatment for lung TB, a planned hernia repair usually waits until the chest has settled and the TB is under control.
- Never stop your TB tablets for an operation. Breaking the course can make the TB harder to treat. The team plans surgery around it.
- Old, fully treated TB rarely stops a repair. Tell the team about it, as a chest X-ray and breathing check may be needed first.
TB is common in India, and so are hernias. Some people find a hernia while they are on TB treatment. Others had TB many years ago and wonder if it still matters.
This page explains when a hernia repair can be done, why the TB tablets must carry on, and which checks are done first.
Why a planned repair usually waits
TB in the lungs causes cough, fever and weight loss. A strong, long cough pushes hard on a fresh repair. Fever and weight loss also slow healing.
Most hernias are not urgent. So the usual plan is to treat the TB first and let the chest settle. The repair is then done when you are stronger.
Never stop your TB tablets
The TB course must be taken every day, for the full time your doctor set. Stopping it, even for a few days, can make the TB harder to treat.
If you need surgery during treatment, the team works with your TB doctor. Your tablets carry on before and after the operation, as advised.
TB and the timing of a hernia repair
TB and the timing of a hernia repair
| Your TB situation | What usually happens | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Just started TB treatment | Planned repair waits | Chest and cough settle first |
| Well into treatment, feeling better | Team reviews the timing | TB doctor's advice guides it |
| Finished the full course | Repair can usually be planned | Chest checked before the date |
| Treated TB years ago | Usually no delay | An X-ray may be advised |
| Hernia stuck or very painful | Operated at once | This is an emergency |
Have TB now or in the past, and a hernia? Bring your TB card, chest reports and medicine list to the first visit.
Checks before the operation
Your surgeon asks about your TB history and your tablets. You may need a chest X-ray, blood tests and a liver test. TB tablets can affect the liver, so the team checks it before anaesthesia.
Bring your TB treatment card, your chest reports and your full medicine list. These can save repeat tests.
If you had TB in the past
Old TB that was fully treated rarely stops a hernia repair. It can leave some scarring in the lungs, so the anaesthetist may check your breathing more closely.
Tell the team if you have a new cough, fever or night sweats. These need to be checked before any planned operation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have hernia surgery while on TB treatment?
A planned repair usually waits until the TB is under control. A stuck or very painful hernia is treated at once.
Should I stop my TB tablets before surgery?
No. Never stop or break the TB course for surgery. The team plans the operation around it.
I had TB years ago. Does it matter?
Tell the team. They may check your chest with an X-ray, as old TB can leave scarring in the lungs.
Why do I need a liver test?
TB tablets can affect the liver. A blood test shows the liver is working well before anaesthesia.
Is my cough a risk to the repair?
A strong, long cough strains the fresh repair. This is one reason the chest should settle first.
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.