Endoscopy Patient Information

Your physician has scheduled you for an endoscopic procedure for further evaluation or treatment of your condition.

This brochure answers some questions many patients ask. Please read it carefully. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to discuss them with your nurse or physician before the exam begins.

What is Endoscopy?

This is a procedure done by a physician using a flexible fiberoptic instrument that enables examination of the lining of the digestive tract. If the physician sees a suspicious area, he may pass a small instrument through the endoscope and take a small piece of tissue (biopsy) for examination by the laboratory. Other instruments can also be passed through the endoscope without causing discomfort including a small brush to collect cells.

Who Performs the Procedure?

The procedure is performed by a gastroenterologist. They are assisted by specially trained registered nurses and technicians.

What Will I Need to do Before the Procedure?

• If you are having a colonoscopy, check with your doctor/nurse about a bowel preparation.
• Check with your doctor/nurse about taking daily medications. If you have diabetes, check about the possible deletion and/or dosage change for your diabetic medication on the day before and the day of your procedure.
• IMPORTANT! You must have a driver when you arrive for your procedure and you must be driven home. Cabs and public transportation are not allowed.
• Also you should not drive, work, or exercise the day of the procedure.
• Wear comfortable clothes. You will be changing into a hospital gown.
• Leave valuables at home.

DAY OF THE PROCEDURE

Where Do I Go?

The address of the IMA Endoscopy SurgiCenter is 8895 Broadway. Sign in at the reception area. If you are a new patient, you will be asked to complete registration forms. View map

What to Expect Before the Test

A nurse will call you up to one week prior to your scheduled procedure. She will obtain a brief medical history, a list of medication(s) that you are presently taking and a list of any medication allergies. She will inquire about your insurance coverage and obtain prior authorization, if necessary. She will also provide you with any other information that you may need prior to your procedure.

When you arrive at the SurgiCenter for the procedure, the nursing staff will ask you to change into a hospital gown. You will be shown an instructional video regarding your scheduled procedure. You will be asked to read and sign an informed consent. The nurse will start an IV through which sedating medication may be given. The nurse will assess your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. Feel free to ask questions at any time.

What Happens During the Test?

You will be on a stretcher and wheeled into the procedure room. A monitor will be used to watch your blood pressure, pulse and oxygen level. Your doctor/nurse may give you medication for sedation. After you are sedated, the physician will insert a scope to evaluate or treat your condition. The procedures done in SurgiCenter take approximately 5 to 45 minutes. You will be wheeled to the recovery area when the procedure is over. You will be monitored until you are awake and stable, approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

What Happens After the Procedure?

Before you are discharged, the doctor will talk with you and your driver to give you results and instructions. The doctor will send a report to your referring doctor. You may be forgetful, lethargic, or groggy the remainder of the day. Plan to rest at home.

If you have any questions regarding advance directives our staff will be glad to provide you with information. However, due to the elective nature of the procedures performed in this facility, it is the policy of this facility not to acknowledge advance directives. For additional information regarding advance directives call Choice in Dying at 1-800-989-WILL or e-mail cid@choices.org.

IMA Endoscopy SurgiCenter is a Joint Commission accredited facility and is owned and operated by the physicians of Internal Medicine Associates.