Please read all the following information carefully.

BEFORE SURGERY

• The Heart of America Surgery Center staff will contact you prior to your surgery date to take a medical history and give you instructions for surgery. If you have not been contacted by a staff member one-day prior to your surgery, it is your responsibility to call the Heart of America Surgery Center at 913-334-8935. You may also enter your medical history at www.hoasc1.com  -  click on Pre-Registration Medical History. This will shorten your phone time with our nurse. 

• You will be instructed during your preoperative phone call about when to stop eating and drinking before surgery.   If you have not talked to us, do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to your surgery.  Infants and children (0-10 years) may have breast milk, formula or fluids up to 6 hours before surgery.  Your surgery may be cancelled if these instructions are not followed.

• Make arrangements for someone to drive you home and stay with you until, at least, the next morning.

• You must arrive at the instructed time before your surgery to allow time for admission, laboratory work and a preoperative physical examination.

• Bring all medications that you are taking with you. You will be instructed on which medications to take the day of surgery.

• Wear loose-fitting clothing such as warm-ups and minimal makeup. Do not wear your contact lenses. Please leave all valuables & jewelry at home. 

• Pediatric patients MUST have a parent or legal guardian at the Center at all times.  Children are encouraged to bring their favorite toy or blanket and an extra set of pajamas to wear home.  When appropriate parents will be allowed to be with their children during the admitting and recovery periods.

• Do not shave the area where you will have surgery for three (3) days before surgery.  Bath or shower the morning of surgery with an antibacterial soap (like Dial) to minimize the chance of infection.

• A board-certified anesthesiologist will evaluate you and discuss the anesthetic options for your surgery.  Your anesthetic team may consist of both a nurse anesthetist as well as a physician anesthesiologist.

• To maximize the comfort of all visitors, we suggest that adult patients be accompanied by only one person; however, we do welcome both parents of pediatric patients.

• If you have children, please arrange for care of your children for the 24 hours following surgery, as you could feel drowsy during that period of time.

• If you develop a cold, fever or respiratory problem before surgery, please call your surgeon or the preoperative nurse at the Heart of America Surgery Center 913-334-8935.

AFTER SURGERY

• You MAY NOT drive yourself home after surgery. Someone MUST drive you home.  You cannot leave alone.

• At a minimum, someone should be with you until the following morning after a general anesthetic or sedation.  It may be necessary for someone to stay with you longer.

• It is normal to feel sleepy for several hours after an anesthetic.  You should not drive or make important decisions until, at least, the day following surgery.

• Unless instructed differently, drink only liquids for the first few hours after surgery, then progress slowly back to your normal diet.

• Follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions regarding diet, rest, and medications.

IF YOU HAVE ANY DIFFICULTY, CALL YOUR SURGEON, HIS/HER ANSWERING SERVICE, THE HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM OR 911.