Discussion of your medical file
Your medical file is preferably discussed in a multidisciplinary setting with the heart team during regular consultation meetings. The heart team consists of cardiac surgeons and cardiologists (including doctors from UZ Leuven as well as our partner institutions) who collectively determine the most appropriate treatment for you. This could be a conservative approach (medication and/or lifestyle changes), a cardiological intervention, or heart surgery.
If diagnostic tests indicate that heart surgery is required, an assessment will be made to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for surgery. This assessment considers your medical history, predicted mortality risk, functional and cognitive status, life expectancy, social context, and your personal needs and expectations.
Surgery and admission planning
Once the final decision is made that you will undergo heart surgery, you will be placed on the waiting list. We understand that waiting for heart surgery can be stressful, but we do everything possible to minimise the waiting time. You can trust that your medical condition has been carefully evaluated by the heart team. The length of your wait depends on your symptoms and the planned surgery.
For non-urgent procedures, you will be notified in writing of the week in which the surgery is scheduled. Emergencies can affect the surgical schedule, meaning that your operation may be postponed. As a result, we cannot provide you with an exact surgery date in advance.
Shortly before your admission, you will receive a phone call from the admissions department at UZ Leuven. They will inform you of the exact time and location of your admission for surgery.
If your symptoms worsen while waiting, do not hesitate to contact your GP or cardiologist.
Preoperative consultation
With the cardiac surgeon
A consultation with the cardiac surgeon is not routinely scheduled before your surgery. However, a consultation on request can always be arranged.
During your registration or the discussion of your medical file, your cardiologist may determine that a consultation is necessary for you. You will be contacted by the cardiac surgery department’s secretariat to schedule this appointment.
Following the multidisciplinary consultation, the cardiac surgeon may wish to see you again in consultation to discuss the different treatment options and make a precise clinical assessment. Additional examinations may also be conducted at that time. You will be contacted by the cardiac surgery department’s secretariat to schedule this appointment.
If you would like more information about a planned procedure or if you wish to come to UZ Leuven for an initial consultation, you are always welcome to contact us by phone or submit a request via our online appointment form. The cardiac surgery department’s secretariat will review with you the best time and the most appropriate specialist for this appointment.
With the anaesthetist
A preoperative appointment with the anaesthetist allows you to receive information about anaesthesia, pain management, and the risks associated with the surgery. The anaesthetist will also review your medical history and medication list with you. If necessary, additional tests will be scheduled. If you do not attend a consultation, the anaesthetist will see you in your room before the surgery to provide explanations and answer any questions.
With the specialist nurse
Our specialist nurse combines nursing and medical tasks, such as conducting physical examinations, reviewing your medical history, and providing information about the preoperative process and the surgery. If you are eligible for admission via Dagziekenhuis 4, you will routinely be seen by our specialist nurse. This ensures that your preoperative file is fully completed before your admission, allowing you to be admitted on the day of your surgery.
Preoperative assessment
If you are eligible for heart surgery, a preoperative assessment will be scheduled. In addition to risk evaluation, preoperative tests allow our doctors to assess your medical condition and develop a personalised treatment plan.
We always aim to keep the number of preoperative tests to a minimum. The tests you will undergo are determined based on international guidelines and medical expertise.
Routine tests
Additional tests
Medication
Sometimes, it is necessary to adjust or temporarily stop certain medications before your surgery to minimise the risk of complications during or after the procedure. If there are any changes to your medication schedule, you will be informed in advance. Always bring your home medication with you to the hospital.
What arrangements do you need to make?
If you would like an estimate of the expected costs associated with your heart surgery, you can request a cost estimation. For a personalised estimate, it is best to contact the cardiac surgery department’s secretariat.
Examples of cost estimations:
Along with your operation confirmation letter, you will receive a request form for a single room. If you prefer a single room, please return the completed form. The UZ Leuven admissions department will consider your preference based on availability. We recommend that you check with your insurer in advance to see if the additional costs for a single room (consultant fees and room supplements) are covered by your insurance policy.
If your child is admitted to a paediatric ward, a room will automatically be provided for one parent to stay overnight. This is called rooming-in. In some situations, rooming-in is also possible for an adult patient, but only with the approval of the responsible physician or if a single room with accommodation is requested. Rooming-in is not possible in an intensive care unit.
If your family still wishes to stay nearby, we invite you to visit the general information page via the link below. There, you will find more details on family accommodation on the Gasthuisberg campus (limited stay within the hospital) and our collaboration with The Lodge-group hotels (hotel rooms at preferential rates near the hospital).
Read more about accommodation options for family and relatives.
Tips in preparation for your surgery
The fitter you are before a planned heart surgery, the greater your chances of a smooth recovery afterwards. Use the tips and information below to prepare yourself as best as possible, both physically and mentally, for your heart surgery.
To optimise your cardiorespiratory fitness, it is recommended to stay active before your heart surgery and attend a few sessions of respiratory physiotherapy. Learning specific breathing and movement exercises before surgery can help you become familiar with certain techniques, which will aid your recovery afterwards. Always consult your GP or cardiologist to determine the level of activity suitable for you.
A healthy and balanced diet is linked to a faster recovery and reduces the risk of complications. After surgery, your body will need to rely on its energy reserves for tissue healing. Therefore, maintaining a good nutritional state before the procedure is essential. Discuss with your GP or cardiologist how you can optimise your diet.
Like a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. Both underweight and overweight can negatively impact the surgery and recovery process.
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are major risk factors for complications after heart surgery. It is advisable to stop using tobacco and alcohol a few weeks before your operation. If needed, seek professional support. Ask your GP for more information.
Waiting for heart surgery can be stressful. If you feel the need for mental support, you can be referred to a clinical psychologist. Ask your GP for advice.
What to bring with you to the hospital
Read more about what you need to bring to ensure a smooth registration, stay, and medical care at the hospital. You will also find tips on what is best left at home.
Additional information for a smooth stay in our ward
- Keep your luggage to a minimum (e.g. small sports bag, hand luggage).
- Bring only the essentials. Your family or close relatives can bring extra items once you return to the ward after your surgery.
- Medication
- Toiletries (no towels or washcloths, as these are provided in the ward)
- Pyjamas or comfortable (sports) clothing
- Glasses, hearing aids, or dentures (these will be removed just before the procedure)
- Mobile phone and charger
- Do not wear contact lenses, jewellery or piercings, makeup (including nail polish or gel nails), or hair accessories.
Important points just before the operation
It is important to be fasting on the day of your operation. You can find detailed guidelines on this information page from the department of anaesthesiology.
If you have eaten or drunk too close to your procedure, your operation will have to be postponed due to the risk of lung complications and vomiting.
Pay close attention to personal hygiene:
- Take a shower or bath at home.
- Do not use any skincare products or perfume afterwards.
- Brush your teeth.
- Trim your nails short.
- Remove all makeup (including nail polish and artificial nails) and piercings.
Shaving is always done by a nurse during your admission to the ward or in the operating theatre. Shaving yourself beforehand can increase the risk of wound infections, so it is not recommended.
In certain cases, disinfection measures must be started at home. You will be informed about this personally.
Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off. You will receive a surgical gown from the nurse beforehand. No other clothing should be worn under this gown. Also, bring safe footwear.
Preparing for your discharge
It is advisable to organise certain arrangements before being admitted to the hospital. If you have any questions about the topics below, please contact our social work department. Depending on your care situation and needs, they will work with you to find the most suitable solution.
- Transport to and from the hospital. After heart surgery, you will not be allowed to drive for a period of time.
- Organisation of home care (e.g., household assistance, home nursing, meal delivery).
- Assistance and accommodation options for you and/or your partner (e.g., short-term stay requests).
- Questions about starting physiotherapy at home and outpatient cardiac rehabilitation.
- Questions regarding sick leave, career break, or return to work.
- Financial and legal questions related to your condition, surgery, or hospital stay.
- Interpreting services and language assistance.
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