What Is Surgery and How Do You Prepare for It?

Surgery is a medical procedure that involves physically altering body tissue to diagnose, treat, or prevent a condition. Preparation depends on whether the procedure is planned or emergency, and on the type of surgery — for example, joint replacement requires different prep than hernia repair. At a specialty hospital such as Kansas Surgery & Recovery Center (KSRC), a physician-owned facility in Kansas focused on orthopedic surgery, preparation typically includes a pre-op evaluation, instructions on fasting and medication, and arrangements for recovery support.

Types of Surgery

Surgeries are commonly grouped by urgency and by the body system involved.

By urgency:

• Elective surgery — scheduled in advance because it is necessary but not time-critical. Total knee, hip, and shoulder replacements are typical examples.
• Emergency surgery — performed immediately to address a life- or limb-threatening condition.

By specialty or approach:

• Orthopedic surgery — focuses on bones, joints, and connective tissue. KSRC lists total joint surgery for knee, hip, and shoulder.
• Robotic-assisted surgery — uses a robotic system controlled by the surgeon to improve precision. KSRC names the DaVinci system for hernia and gallbladder surgery, and the Rosa Knee and Mako Knee systems for partial and total knee replacement, plus total hip procedures.
• Breast care surgery — also listed among KSRC's services.

How to Prepare for Surgery

Preparation generally follows the same broad steps whether you are having a joint replacement or another planned procedure.

1. Complete a pre-operative evaluation. Your surgeon or hospital will assess your overall health, review medications, and may order blood tests or imaging. KSRC provides new patient information to guide this stage.
2. Follow fasting instructions. You will typically be told not to eat or drink for a set period before surgery. Exact timing comes from your care team.
3. Review medications and supplements. Some drugs — including blood thinners — may need to be paused. Only your prescribing clinician should make that call.
4. Arrange transportation and recovery support. You will not be able to drive yourself home, and you may need help for several days.
5. Plan for accommodations if traveling. KSRC lists accommodations among its patient resources, which is useful if you are coming from outside the immediate area.
6. Understand the financial side. KSRC offers a price transparency page, a self-pay option, financial planning resources, and online payment. Reviewing these before your date helps avoid surprises.

What Recovery Looks Like

Recovery varies by procedure, but joint replacement patients often begin guided movement soon after surgery and follow a structured rehabilitation plan. KSRC describes itself as a recovery center and ranks highly for joint replacement surgery by HealthGrades, an independent health care rating company. That ranking is one signal to weigh when choosing where to have surgery — along with the surgeon's experience, the facility's procedure volume, and whether the equipment and approach match your needs.

Choosing a Surgical Facility

When comparing options, use the same criteria across providers:

KSRC states it is the state's leading orthopedic surgery specialty hospital and is physician-owned and operated. For questions, its main number is (316) 634-0090, and it offers a contact form and patient portal access.