Day of Your Procedure

On the day of your digestive health procedure, follow all instructions given to you by your physician. If you have any questions concerning your procedure, please call your physician.

• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
• Leave all valuables and jewelry at home.
• Plan to arrive 45 minutes prior to your procedure. This allows time for you to register and be admitted to the endoscopy department.
• Register at outpatient registration.
• A registered nurse will obtain a thorough health history, start an IV and provide procedural education.
• The average procedure will last 20-30 minutes with a one-hour recovery period. It is best to plan two hours for your visit.
  • All equipment is processed after each use, following strict guidelines from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC), Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc. (SGNA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What to Bring

• Any written orders and instructions from your physician
• A friend or relative to drive you home after your procedure
• Medications, including prescriptions, herbal medications and diet drugs
• Glasses (bring your case)

After Your Procedure

• You will stay in your private recovery room for up to an hour.
• We will monitor your blood pressure, pulse and respirations as well as watch you for any complications relating to your procedure.
• When you can tolerate oral fluids, your IV will be discontinued and your recovery nurse will provide instructions concerning your post-procedural diagnosis and diet.
• Your family member/driver may stay with you in your room. We recommend a family member or friend sit in on your discussion with the physician regarding your results.
  • A driver is necessary for two reasons: to take you home after your procedure and to discuss test results with your physician. The sedative medication stays in your system for up to 24 hours, therefore affecting your reflexes and memory. Driving a car with sedatives in your system is a punishable DUI offense because it is considered driving under the influence of drugs.
• Your physician will speak with you and your driver after the procedure and prior to your discharge. Your physician will provide you with a written statement of results and specific discharge information regarding your diet, activity, medications, pain, follow-up appointments and returning to work.
  • It is very important that you follow your home care instructions. Call your doctor for any questions or problems regarding your procedure.
  • Due to the effects of conscious sedation, you should not drive a car, operate machinery, make important decisions or drink any alcoholic beverages for 24 hours following your procedure.
  • Our nursing staff will call within four days of your discharge to answer any questions you may have and ensure that you were satisfied with the services you received.
  • If a tissue sample was taken, your physician’s office will contact you with those results within five business days of your procedure.
  • Be sure to schedule a post-procedural appointment with your doctor if indicated.