220 W 2nd Street and 106 Willow Road, Goodland, KS 67735

Surgical Services

or many surgical procedures, Goodland Regional Medical Center offers a more convenient location for patients to receive services. GRMC surgical services are provided to inpatients and outpatients on an elective, urgent and emergent basis. The surgical procedures performed in Goodland as well as useful instructions to patients and other information regarding the surgical services are listed below.

Surgical specialty areas and procedures at GRMC include:

  • General surgery
  • Eye surgery
  • Colonoscopy and EGD
  • Gynecology
  • Chronic pain services
  • Soft tissue orthopedic
  • Anesthesia services

What To Expect

On the day of your surgery the nurses provide immediate preoperative preparation for each patient. Your nurses will check your vital statistics with you. These consist of patient identification, (name and date of birth), consents, surgical site verification and correct operation.

The anesthesia provider will visit with you and answer any questions you may have regarding your planned anesthesia. After that the surgical (OR) nurse and anesthesia provider will take you to the operating room.

Following your surgery you will be taken to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit or recovery room, where nursing care is provided in the immediate post-anesthesia period. You may be taken directly to the recovery room where outpatients will be prepared for discharge postoperatively.


Before Your Surgery

For you, and for us, no surgery or procedure is minor. All surgery requires preparation. Your cooperation is very important. To help us file for insurance, please bring your insurance identification card or information. Visit the medical center for any necessary radiology or lab work as ordered before your scheduled surgery.

A GRMC nurse from the surgery Department will attempt to reach you prior to your procedure to obtain a medical history. The nurse will verify instructions and inform you of the time you need to report for surgery. If you have not been contacted the day before your procedure is scheduled, please call (785) 890-6024.

Some surgeries require history, physical and evaluation prior to surgery. Your physician's office will schedule this. If you routinely take medications for any condition, ask your Day Surgery nurse if you should take them on the day of surgery.

Arrange for someone to drive you home after any surgery and if you become ill or must reschedule your surgery for any reason, notify your physician and the surgery department immediately.


Food & Drink Instructions

It is imperative that you follow specific pre-operative food and fluid instructions. Failure to follow these guidelines could result in the cancellation of your surgery. 

  • Adults may have absolutely no solid food 6 hours prior to surgery. If your procedure is after noon, a surgery nurse will provide specific instructions. 
  • You may have clear liquids up to 4 hours before surgery, but no other liquids. 
  • No chewing gum/tobacco 4 hours before surgery.

Day of Surgery

  • Shower or bathe and brush teeth, but do not apply eye makeup.
  • Do not bring valuables or money, except payment arranged through our Business Office.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to get on and off, but please, no watch or jewelry.
  • Bring a complete list of medications you currently are taking, but leave medications at home. If you wear contact lenses, please bring your container.
  • Come in the Central Registration entrance and check in at the registration desk from 7:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. After hours and on weekends, enter through the Emergency Room entrance and check in at the Nurse's Station.
  • Your surgery time may be moved ahead. Be prepared to come early if we call you. Also, emergencies may cause delays in your scheduled operating time. Please be patient.
  • A nurse will admit you and prepare you for surgery. You will be asked to sign necessary forms. A parent or guardian must sign for a minor (under 18). You will meet with your physician and anesthetist prior to surgery.
  • Your family members and friends may wait in our lobby while you are in surgery. 
  • Please be on time to prevent delays.

Please note: If you are not of sound mind, Durable Power of Attorney will need to be present when signing consents the morning of the procedure.


After Surgery

After surgery, you will either be transferred to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (recovery area), or transferred to the Day Surgery unit to be prepared for discharge. Your length of stay will depend on the type of surgery and your individual recovery. When you have met the recovery guidelines specified by your doctor, you will be discharged.

A responsible adult must drive you home from GRMC. For your safety, you will not be permitted to leave unattended. You should plan to have a responsible adult at home with you for 24 hours after your surgery.

You will be given home care instructions by your doctor and nurse. Once you are home, contact your doctor immediately if you have any problems or surgery-related questions.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after surgery or if taking prescribed medication. Do not drive a motor vehicle or make any important decisions (including legal decisions) within 24 hours of surgery. Medication may prevent you from thinking clearly. A GRMC nurse will attempt to contact you within three days to make certain your recovery is going smoothly.


Pediatric Patients

If convenient for you and helpful to your child, parents can arrange a tour of GRMC with the Day Surgery nurse who will attempt to contact you prior to surgery. Please bring a favorite stuffed animal, doll, blanket or book for your child, plus a bottle or pacifier, if needed. You are encouraged to remain with your child before and after surgery. Our nursing staff makes every effort to minimize the time you must be separated from your child.

Guidelines for Infants & Children

Your child will be required to go without any food or liquids for several hours prior to surgery.

  • May have infant formula or solid foods 6 hours before surgery.
  • May have breast milk up to 4 hours before surgery.
  • May have clear liquids up to 3 hours before surgery. Infants younger than one year of age should be awakened and offered clear liquid 3 hours prior to surgery.