Surgery/Patient Care FAQ

Preregistration is required prior to surgery. After you are scheduled for surgery, you’ll receive two phone calls from our staff to complete your surgery preregistration. The business office will call to obtain your personal and insurance information, and the preadmission nurse will call to gather your health history.

For any urgent questions, please call us at 316-462-5062 or 866-577-7463 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Please follow these instructions to ensure optimal comfort and decrease the risk of complications:

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight – no water, coffee or other liquids; no hard candy, gum, breath mints; no smoking or chewing tobacco. Complications can result from food/liquids in the stomach, including any medication you may be taking.
• The preadmission nurse will provide instructions on any specific medications you need to take the morning of surgery (with just a sip of water).
• Brush your teeth without swallowing water.
• Bring your current medications to the hospital in their original pharmacy bottles EXCEPT sleeping pills, narcotics and muscle relaxers.
• Stop taking any diet pills, vitamins, supplements, and anti-inflammatory medications at least one week prior to surgery.
• For any questions regarding your current medications, please contact the preadmission nurse or your surgeon’s office.
• If you develop a cold, fever, or illness, or suspect pregnancy prior to surgery, please contact us or your surgeon’s office, as it may be necessary to postpone your surgery.

• Comfortable and loose clothing that is easy to put on and take off.
• Toiletries and personal items (shampoo, soap, and lotion are provided).
• Your driver’s license or photo ID, health insurance cards, advance directions (if applicable), as well as any applicable co-payment or pre-payment (if requested during your pre-registration phone call.
• Any necessary personal equipment such as a CPAP machine, walker, or cane.
• If you have been pre-fitted for a brace or collar for after surgery, please bring it.
• Your current medications to the hospital in their original pharmacy bottles EXCEPT sleeping pills, narcotics and muscle relaxers.

What NOT to bring: Do NOT bring any valuables, such as jewelry, cash, or credit cards, as well as any pain medications or muscle relaxers.

Visiting hours are 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. daily. Children are allowed to visit if accompanied by an adult. We suggest you do not bring children under the age of 12 as they are more likely to become ill with flu or give it to our patients unknowingly.

Food service for your guest(s) is available for purchase in the Mosaic Grill Restaurant.

Please do not visit patients if you have a fever or feel feverish, or if you have a cough, runny nose, sore throat, body aches, vomiting or diarrhea. We appreciate your help in keeping loved ones healthy.

For your comfort, all of our rooms are private. One guest age 16 or older may spend the night with you in your room. The guest chair folds out and bedding is available.

We want to ensure your surgery experience is as pleasant as possible for you and your loved ones. Once you are checked in, a team of staff including RNs, nurse assistants, physical and occupational therapists will be working with you.

Please make arrangements for an adult to drive you to and from the hospital. We also recommend an adult stay with you during your surgery if possible. They will be able to relax in our waiting room during the procedure.

Please bathe/shower the morning of your surgery, but do not apply makeup, body lotion, perfume, or deodorants.

Check-in will be two hours prior to your scheduled surgery time. Our hospital entrance is through the double doors on the northeast side of the building).

For your comfort, all our rooms are private. Meals can be ordered “room service” style, any time during the day from 6 AM to 7 PM. After surgery, you will first start with clear liquids then advance to a more solid diet.

It is very important to get up and move after surgery to speed your recovery process and avoid complications. How soon you can do this will depend on your procedure. Some amount of pain is common after surgery and is a natural part of healing. Controlling your pain can help you get well faster and improve the results of your care. Our dedicated staff will assist you in finding effective options for you.

For more information, see our Patient Guide for Managing Pain.

As part of the hospital’s pain management plan, we ask you complete the KSSH Initial Pain Assessment to assist us in individualizing your pain management during your hospital stay. Please feel free to print a copy and bring it with you when you arrive.

Your physician will determine how long you need to be in the hospital. Before you go home, your nurse will talk with you about what to expect next and provide any home-care instructions, including your activity level after surgery; things to watch for; and diet and nutrition.

If needed, you receive any new medication prescriptions upon discharge.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages, drive or operate machinery within 24 hours following surgery. Even if you are an outpatient, you must have someone to drive you home.

If rehabilitative therapy or skilled nursing is deemed necessary for your recovery, you will be provided with options in Wichita or your local area. We will also let you know if you need any personal items for at-home recovery, such as a wheeled walker or cane, stool riser, or shower chair. If you already have a walker, we will ensure proper fit before discharge.

Scheduling follow-up appointments and return to work release will be handled by your surgeon’s office. Contact your surgeon’s office for any questions.