Preparing for a Procedure :: Anesthesia :: Before Procedure :: Procedure :: After Procedure

Preparing for a Procedure

• If you have questions about your procedure, please call your gastroenterologist to make sure they are answered to your satisfaction.
  
  
• Our insurance specialist also will reach you by phone to talk with you confidentially about your insurance benefits and any financial obligation for which you may be responsible.
  
  
• Notify your doctor prior to your procedure if you experience any change in your physical condition, such as a cough, cold or fever.
  
  
• You must have a family member or friend drive you home after your procedure and remain with you through the night. If this is a problem, please notify your doctor or our nurse when she calls.

Anesthesia

Type of Anesthesia

• Conscious or monitored sedation: This places patient in a relaxed, "twilight" state, as if you are asleep but still able to be aroused
• Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) using Propofol: a specific anesthesia service performed by a qualified anesthesia provider during an upper GI endoscopy or colonoscopy. Indications for monitored anesthesia care include "the need for deeper levels of analgesia and sedation than can be provided by monitored sedation". Anesthesia provider will make sure that you get only the level of anesthesia that you need to keep you comfortable and safe.

Before Procedure

• Follow carefully all instructions for the procedure given to you by your gastroenterologist.
  
  
• Please make sure that you take all doses of laxatives as directed for your colonoscopy. If you have any problems with the laxative, please notify your physician.
  
  
• If you are taking any blood thinning medications like coumadin, aspirin, or plavix, please contact your physician. You may need to stop these medications for a few days prior to the procedure.
  
  
• Notify your physician if you develop any change in your health status such as fever, cough or cold prior to the procedure.
  
  
• Bring a list of all medications you may be taking.
  
  
• For your comfort, wear loose comfortable clothing.
  
  
• Leave jewelry and contact lens at home.
  
  
• Do not bring any valuables.
  
  
• You MUST have someone who will be responsible for transporting you home.
  
  
• Arrive at the Center at your scheduled time.
  
  
• Before any sedative is given, you will be asked to sign an informed consent for the procedure.

Day Of Procedure

Bring the following items with you to the Endoscopy Center:

• Any medications required by our nurse.
  
  
• Your picture ID with proof of address.
  
  
• Your health insurance card.
  
  
• Any co-payment that you are responsible for.

• Please arrive at the Endoscopy Center for your procedure at the scheduled time. After you check in with our receptionist, we will ask you to complete admission forms and verify that you have read our required patient notices. We will place an ID band on your wrist and ask you to take a seat in the waiting area.
  
  
• Once your admission is processed, a nurse will accompany you into the pre-procedure area and check your ID band. We ask that your companions remain in the waiting area.
  
  
• In pre-op area, you will change into a patient gown and socks. Your belongings will be placed in safekeeping.
  
  
• The nurse will help you get comfortable, then review your medical history and ask you to sign consents for your procedure and sedation. Please be patient if the questions seem redundant; they are part of our checking system to make sure we do our best for you.
  
  
• The nurse will review the discharge instructions that you will need to follow as you recover at home. You will receive a written copy before you are discharged. She will also give you a patient experience survey to take home. We kindly ask you to return this to us at your earliest convenience. We greatly appreciate your feedback as it helps us improve how we care for patients. You can also download the patient experience survey.
  
  
• If your procedure calls for sedatives, the nurse will start an intravenous line in your arm. Sedatives/relaxing medications as prescribed by your gastroenterologist will be given through this intravenous line.

After Procedure

• After the procedure, you will spend some time in the recovery room. Our team of nurses and staff will ensure a nurturing and comforting environment during your recovery.
  
  
• It is common to have some amnesia due to sedative, and therefore you may not remember talking to your physician after the procedure. For this reason, your physician may desire to discuss the findings of the procedures or any special after care instructions with your companion or a family member.
  
  
• You will be given written discharge instructions and any necessary prescriptions before you leave. Please be sure to follow these instructions carefully.
  
  
• You will be discharged home in the care of a family member or a friend who is PREARRANGED to drive you home.
  
  
• You may feel a little dizzy and sleepy for several hours after the procedure. It is therefore advisable that you stay home, and take things easy for rest of the day.
  
  
• Wait until the day following the procedure to drive a motor vehicle, operate any heavy equipment or sign any important documents.
  
  
• Do not drink any alcoholic beverage until the day after the procedure.
  
  
• After the upper endoscopy, you may experience some minor throat irritation.
  
  
• After biopsy or polyp removal during a colonoscopy, you may have some minor rectal bleeding.
  
  
• If you develop persistent nausea, vomiting, persistent red maroon or black bowel movement or vomiting of blood, persistent abdominal pain, or fever, please contact your gastroenterologist immediately.
  
  
• In case of an emergency, please call 911.
  
  
• You will be advised to follow up with your physician to discuss the findings of the procedure.