What will happen when I arrive?
You will be asked to fill out and sign some paperwork. You will receive information regarding your rights and responsibilities as a patient in our center, and about HIPAA-Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The receptionist will make copies of your insurance cards and driver’s license or other picture ID, so be sure to bring them with you.
After checking in your will be taken to an admitting room where you will be prepared for your procedure. You will meet your nurse. We will have you change into a patient gown, assess your vital signs and start an IV.
When your physician is ready to do your procedure, you will be taken into the procedure room on the stretcher. At this time you will talk to your physician about your medical history and about the risks and benefits of your procedure. Please feel free to ask questions while at the Endoscopy Center. The more you understand, the more at ease you'll be about your procedure and recovery.
Is there a prep for an upper endoscopy?
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight. You will be sedated for your procedure so you must have a driver with you to take you home.
What is the prep for the colonoscopy?
There are different bowel preparations to cleanse the colon. Your physician will give you specific instructions regarding the preparation you should use. You will be sedated for your procedure so you must have a driver with you to take you home.
Can I take my regular medications the day of the exam?
You may take your regular medications with the exception of blood thinners (coumadin, Plavix, Ticlid). Check with your physician regarding these medications, as well as diabetic medications.
What should I do if I get nauseated or vomit while I drink the prep?
If you get nauseated stop the prep for an hour and then restart it. If you continue to vomit we may need to try another prep. Call your physician or the physician on call for instructions.
Why do I have to have a driver to take me home?
The sedative medication you will receive for your procedure will make you groggy and unable to drive for several hours after your procedure.
How long will I be at your facility?
The average time is an hour and a half. The procedure takes about thirty minutes, plus admitting and recovery time.
How will I feel after the test?
You will feel drowsy after the test. You may also have gas pain and or cramping. Passing gas usually relieves the cramping or discomfort. You may have a slight sore throat from an upper endoscopy. You are fine to eat or drink after your procedure. The sedation will last a couple of hours after your discharged from the clinic. However, you definitely should not drive, operate heavy machinery, drink alcohol, take any other sedatives, or make important decisions until the following day.
Can I go to work the next day?
Almost always.
Will my doctor get the results?
Your referring physician will receive a letter from your physician with results of your procedure the same day. Pathology reports will be faxed from the physician's office within a week.
Do all colon polyps turn to cancer?
Not all polyps turn to cancer, but we remove all polyps and send them to a pathologist to determine what types of polyps they are. You will receive those results from your physician within 1-2 weeks.