Endoscopy FAQs

What do I need to bring on the day of my procedure?

  • Your insurance card(s).

  • Driver’s License or Photo ID.

  • A list of your current medications.

  • Co-pay or deductible as determined by your insurance company.

  • Leave valuables and jewelry at home.

  • Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes.

  • Plan to arrive at the center 45 minutes prior to the procedure. You should expect a stay of approximately one hour and 45 minutes to two hours total.

  • If you’re younger than 18, you must have a parent or guardian accompany you to sign your paperwork. If you are an adult who is unable to sign the consent, you must have someone with you who is authorized to sign on your behalf.

  • Bring the name and phone number of the person (must be 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license) who will be taking you home. You will not be permitted to drive, take a taxi alone or leave the center without an adult chaperone.

 

How long will the procedure take?

An upper endoscopy takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. A colonoscopy takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes.

 

How long will I be there after the procedure?

Patients remain in the recovery area 30 to 40 minutes after their procedure.

 

Can I drive myself home or take a taxi?

The medication you receive during the procedure impairs your judgment, perception and coordination the rest of the day. Also, a side effect of the medication is forgetfulness. Therefore, you will need a responsible adult to escort you from our facility to your home to assure your personal safety.

NOTE: You may take a taxi home only if accompanied by a responsible adult. GastroEast cannot perform your procedure unless transportation arrangements have been made.

 

Can I take aspirin or arthritis medication?

Aspirin and aspirin products are blood thinners. Because biopsies and/or polypectomies may be done during your procedure, these products should be avoided several days before your procedure and several days after. Your doctor will instruct you on whether you should stop aspirin as well as the number of days you should refrain from taking any aspirin products. You may take Tylenol for pain. If you take the drug Coumadin, please discuss any dosage adjustment with your doctor.

 

Will I be sleeping during my procedure?

You will receive monitored anesthesia care, also known as IV sedation, you will be totally asleep, but breathing on your own, and will not respond to conversation.

 

Will I have pain following the procedure?

You should have little or no pain following your procedure. If you have an upper endoscopy, you may have a slight sore throat that can be relieved with warm liquids, throat lozenges or, if necessary, Tylenol. If you have a colonoscopy, you may experience some cramping, gas or a sore rectum. Warm liquids and moving around will help the cramps and gas to pass. Vaseline jelly and Tylenol will help with any rectal discomfort. If you have redness or swelling at the I.V. site, moist warm soaks will relieve the swelling. If it does not, notify your doctor.

 

Can my family or friends stay with me?

When your procedure is finished, your family member or friend may remain with you until discharge.

 

May I have visitors?

You must have one responsible adult to drive you home. Because of space limitations and your length of stay, we recommend that children, especially those under the age of 15, do not accompany you to the center.

 

Can I have alcohol?

Alcoholic beverages will add to the effect of the medications you will receive during your procedure. Because alcohol is a drug, mixing drugs of any kind is not advised.