Information for Surgical Patients

To schedule surgery: (316) 962-2790
To schedule Preoperative Clinic visit: (316) 962-9130
To preregister: (316) 962-2356 or 1-800-732-0189

Date and time of Preoperative Assessment Clinic visit: _________________________________

Date and time of surgery: _______________________________ Check-in time:_____________

man-in-wheelchairLocation

Wesley Medical Center is located at 550 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67214, at the northeast corner of Central and Hillside.

Preparing for surgery

The week before your surgery, you will need to either:

  • Visit the Preoperative (Preop) Assessment Clinic at (316) 962-9130 or

  • Call the Preop Documentation Office at (316) 962-2356 or 1-800-732-0189 to preregister

Please be prepared to provide the following information:

  • Your Security Social number and your spouse's social security number
  • Your health history, including other surgeries or procedures and any medical problems you have ever had (including dates).
  • A list of all your prescribed and over-the-counter medications, including eye drops, inhalers, investigational drugs, vitamins, herbal supplements, weight-reducing supplements, cold remedies, heart and blood pressure medications, thyroid supplements, diruetics, blood thinners (including aspirin), products containing aspirin, laxatives, depression or mood medications, and insulin. Include the dosages and how often you take the medications.
  • A list of your all allergies, including allergies to medications, foods, iodine or other contrast media, latex, or seasonal allergies. (You may be allergic to latex if you have a severe reaction to bananas, kiwis, avocados, chestnuts, rubber products such as gloves, underwear elastic, condoms, dental dams, or balloons.)
  • Your address, next of kin, employer, health insurance, payment plans, etc.

If you visit the Preoperative (Preop) Assessment Clinic

If you visit the Preop Clinic, you will need to provide all the information listed in the preceding paragraphs. You will also have a presurgery physical assessment and clinical testing and you will be given any necessary information. Tests and services you have already received will not be duplicated.

Either you or your doctor's office can schedule your visit to Wesley’s Preop Assessment Clinic. The phone number is (316) 962-9130. At the time of scheduling, let us know if you will need an interpreter. Plan to spend about 90 minutes at the Preop Clinic. Please arrive 15 minutes before your Preop Clinic visit so that you can check in at the Southeast Admissions Office. Please bring:

  • All your medical insurance cards, your Social Security number and your spouse’s Social Security number. We will make copies of these. Plan to pay insurance deductibles and copays at the Admissions Office.
  • Photo identification, such as your driver’s license, which we will copy.
  • Living will and/or durable power of attorney for health-care decisions.

Other things to remember:

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be removed easily for x-rays or other tests.
  • Remember that we may need to obtain a urine test from you, so do not use the hospital restroom until you check in with us.
  • Please do not bring young children.
  • Park in the parking lot at Central and Rutan streets and enter the Critical Care Building. Turn right to check in at the Southeast Admissions Office.
  • If you require a wheelchair, request one at the entrance or Admissions Office.
  • The Admissions Office will direct you to the Preop Clinic.

If you call the Preop Documentation Office

The office is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plan to spend about one hour on the telephone, as the nurse will ask you questions about your health history and medications, and answer any questions you may have. After you speak with the nurse, you will be transferred to the Admissions Office. 

Some things which may cause cancellation of your surgery or procedure

  • Fever higher than 100°, cold or flu symptoms, chest congestion, a draining wound at the surgery site. Notify your doctor immediately if there are any changes in your physical condition before your surgery or procedure.
  • Taking herbal supplements (including St. John’s Wort or more than 800 units of vitamin E per day) or weight reduction medications (such as Zenical, Metabolife, phenfen products, or Meridia) within two weeks before your surgery or procedure.
  • Taking products that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Vioxx, Celebrex or Aleve within five days before your surgery or procedure, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
  • In advance, be sure to talk with the doctor who is performing your surgery or procedure about whether you should stop taking any medications before your surgery or procedure, and when you should stop taking them.

The day before surgery

  • Drink plenty of fluids the day before your surgery.
  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight, including water, unless you are told to do so.
  • Follow any specific instructions from your doctor.
  • Bathe or shower and wash your hair the night before or day of your surgery or procedure. Do not wear any lotions, powders or oils.
  • You may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth the morning of your surgery or procedure, but do not swallow any water.

The day of surgery

  • Wear loose-fitting clothing to the hospital. Sweat pants or shorts are preferred rather than tight clothing.
  • You will not be allowed to drive yourself home, so please arrange for someone to drive you home.
  • Please bring the medicines you are taking. Bring the original bottles if you can. Include the dosage of medicine and how often you take it. Inform your doctor's office if you are taking aspirin, Motrin, Advil, NSAIDS, Dipyridamole, Persantine, Coumadin, Phen/Phen or medicines that can thin your blood.
  • Bring a list of things you are allergic to, such as medicines, food, Latex, tape, shellfish, IV dye, iodine, etc.
  • You may wear your eyeglasses, dentures, and hearing aids to the hospital, but you should leave your jewelry, valuables, and money at home. Do not bring more than $5 with you to the hospital.
  • If you plan to wear contact lenses to the hospital, you must bring your own supplies to store them. You will not be allowed to wear your contact lenses during surgery.
  • Do not wear make-up.
  • Bring your insurance cards.

When you arrive

  • Park in the Wesley parking garage at the corner of Murdock and Hillside, and enter the hospital through the enclosed walkway. Check in at the Admissions Office, and you will be taken to the Preoperative Area.
  • You will be asked to read and sign a document giving your surgeon permission to do the surgery. If you have any questions about the procedure, discuss them with your doctor.
  • A blood sample, urine sample, an EKG or chest X-ray may be taken.
  • An IV catheter may be placed in a vein in your arm. This IV may be used for medicines or fluids.
  • You will need to remove your glasses, contact lenses, dentures, and hearing aids before you go to surgery. These items will be given to your family.
  • The doctor who will give you the anesthetic (the medicine that will keep you from having pain during your surgery) will talk to you before you go into surgery.
  • Notify the doctor if you have an internal defibrillator, as it will need to be turned off for your surgery. Also notify the doctor if you have a pacemaker.
  • Your anesthetic will be given to you in the operating room before your surgery begins. You may be given a local anesthetic (numbing medicine), or you may be given a medicine to make you sleep.
  • If you have been asleep during your surgery, you will be taken to the Postanesthesia Care Unit, also called the recovery room or PACU, after surgery.

The Postanesthesia Care Unit (Recovery Room)

  • The staff will notify your family when you arrive at the recovery room.
  • Your nurse will check your blood pressure, pulse, breathing rate, and temperature (vital signs) every five minutes.
  • You will be asked to take deep breaths as you wake up.
  • As you wake up, you may have some discomfort. You should tell your nurse so that he or she can give you medicine to make you more comfortable. Your recovery will be easier if your discomfort is treated.
  • You might have a sore throat when you wake up. This usually goes away when you are able to drink fluids.
  • You can expect to stay in the recovery room one hour to 90 minutes.
  • After you are awake, you will be taken to your room by the recovery room staff, and your family will be notified of your room's location.

In your hospital room

  • It is our goal to make your visit as comfortable as possible. Medicine is available to relieve or lessen discomfort and nausea. Because discomfort is so different for each patient, you must let us know how much discomfort you are having. We encourage you to use the pain medicine ordered to help you move around earlier and speed your recovery. A prescription may be sent home with you for your use later.
  • You will be dismissed when you are able to drink without problems, can walk without problems, and can empty your bladder.
  • Your IV will be taken out before you are dismissed.
  • Please do not leave until your nurse dismisses you. Your nurse will explain the instructions you should follow at home and arrange for you to be taken to your car by wheelchair.

Home instructions

  • You might be given a prescription for discomfort. It is normal to have some discomfort after surgery. Remember that your recovery will be easier if you take medicine as it is ordered.
  • Your prescription can be filled at the Wesley Outpatient Pharmacy or at your pharmacy. If it is filled at Wesley, please provide your pharmacy card, and let your nurse know.
  • If you have an incision (opening through the skin), you might notice a small amount of pink or red fluid from your incision. This is normal. If a large amount of bleeding should occur or you have severe pain, call your doctor or have someone take you to the emergency room.
  • Call your doctor if you have a temperature over 101°.
  • Take it easy for the first day and avoid heavy work and lifting until your doctor tells you that it is okay.
  • To prevent an upset stomach, eat light foods, such as toast, Jello, and broth for at least six hours following surgery. Avoid milk and milk products for at least eight hours after surgery. Avoid spicy and greasy foods until the next day. Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Do not take medicines on an empty stomach unless you are told to do so.
  • You need to call your doctor for an appointment for your follow-up care.
  • It is not uncommon to feel tired, weepy, or cranky for several days after your surgery.
  • If you have questions, please call your doctor.
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