- Will it hurt (Colonoscopy)?
- Will it hurt (Endoscopy)?
- What medications will I
receive?
- Will I be asleep?
- Who will be in the room
with me?
- How long does the
procedure take?
- How long do I have to
stay after my procedure is completed?
- When/What can I eat
afterwards?
- Can I go back to work that day?
- Can I take a cab home by myself?
- Can my escort drop me off and than pick me up
afterwards?
- When will I receive my results?
Will it hurt
(Colonoscopy)?
COLONOSCOPY: You may feel some cramping as you colon is being inflated with air and/or
as the scope is being advanced. However,
our goal is to make you as comfortable as is safely possible. Please let us know when you are experiencing discomfort.
Will
it hurt (Endoscopy)?
ENDOSCOPY: You may gag initially as the scope is passed into your esophagus. Once that has been accomplished (usually takes one good swallow on the
patient's part), you may experience mild bloating and cramping. Once again, our goal is to keep you as comfortable as safely possible. Please let us know if you are uncomfortable.
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What
medications will I receive?
You will receive two medications
prior to and during the procedure.
One of the medications is for
pain (Demerol) and the other is to make you feel sleepy and relaxed (Versed). You
will be conscious for the procedure although you may not remember all of it afterwards.
**If you have allergies to either
of these medications, notify the staff/physician and other arrangements will be
made.
Will I be asleep?
The sedation used for Colonoscopy
and Endoscopy is called "Conscious Sedation". You will be awake and able to talk and move although you may not remember
doing so afterwards.
Who will
be in the room with me?
There will usually be one-two
physicians, a Registered Nurse and an Endoscopy technician in the room with you
assisting with your procedure. They
are all specially trained in endoscopic procedures.
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How long
does the procedure take?
Colonoscopy can take from 30-60
minutes.
Endoscopy can take from 15-30 minutes.
The procedure can take more or
less time and varies from person to person.
How
long do I have to stay after my procedure is completed?
On average, patients are observed
for 30-60 minutes (this can take longer depending on how well the patient is
recovering) after their procedure. After
you have had something to drink, have been able to sit up, have stable vital
signs, and are able to ambulate unassisted, you and your companion will be free
to leave. (You cannot leave without an adult to escort you home)
When/What
can I eat afterwards?
You can eat and drink normally
afterwards, although we recommend starting with a light meal and advancing your
diet as tolerated.
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Can I go
back to work that day?
Do not work on the day of the
procedure. You may return to work
the following day provided that your physician has not recommended otherwise. We can provide you with a form for your employer if needed.
Can I
take a cab home by myself?
No. You can not leave by yourself. You must have an adult pick
you up in the Endoscopy Center and escort you home.
***DUE TO THE SEDATION GIVEN DURING THE PROCEDURE, WE CANNOT
PERFORM YOUR PROCEDURE UNLESS YOU HAVE AN ADULT WHO CAN PICK YOU UP IN THE
ENDOSCOPY CENTER AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE AND ESCORT YOU HOME. UNFORTUNATELY, IN THE INTEREST OF PATIENT SAFETY, THERE CAN BE NO
EXCEPTIONS TO THIS. ***
Can
my escort drop me off and than pick me up afterwards?
If your escort is unable to
register with you, we require a number by which we can contact them to verify
your ride. Your escort will need to pick
you up in the Endoscopy Center after the procedure.
***DUE TO THE SEDATION GIVEN DURING THE PROCEDURE, WE CANNOT
PERFORM YOUR PROCEDURE UNLESS YOU HAVE AN ADULT WHO CAN PICK YOU UP IN THE
ENDOSCOPY CENTER AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE AND ESCORT YOU HOME.
UNFORTUNATELY, IN THE INTEREST OF PATIENT SAFETY, THERE CAN BE NO
EXCEPTIONS TO THIS. ***
When
will I receive my results?
We will tell you your procedure
findings before you leave to go home. However,
if you have had any biopsies done, it will take several days before the results
are ready. You will obtain those
results from your primary care physician or the physician who ordered the test
for you.
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