- If you have questions about your procedure, please call us to make sure they are answered to your satisfaction.
- Please reach out to our insurance specialist to know more about the insurances accepted.
- 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.
Anesthesia
Type of Anesthesia
- Conscious or moderate sedation: This will put you in a relaxed state, as if you are asleep but still able to be aroused.
Before the Procedure
- Follow the instructions carefully 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 lenses at home.
- Do not bring any valuables.
- You MUST have someone who will be responsible for transporting you home.
- Arrive at the Center one hour prior to the procedure scheduled time.
- You will be asked to sign an informed consent for the procedure, before sedation.
Day Of Procedure
- Bring the following items with you.
- Any medications required.
- Your picture ID with proof of address.
- Your health insurance card.
- Any co-payment that you are responsible for.
- Please arrive at the 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.
- Once your admission is processed, you will be taken to the pre-op area.
- In the 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.
- The nurse will review the discharge instructions that you will need to follow as you recover at home. You will receive a copy before you are discharged.
- 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 the 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 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 the 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.