ENDOSCOPY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A CLEAR LIQUID DIET?
A: Water, Clear fruit juice, carbonated beverages, coffee or tea (no creamer). Plain gelatin (no additives), popsicles, clear bouillon and broth. Hard candy and gum. Please avoid any of these with red, purple or blue coloring.
Q: CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL THE NIGHT BEFORE?
A: It is not recommended
Q: I STARTED MY PREP BUT HAVE NOT HAD A BOWEL MOVEMENT YET?
A: It is not uncommon for your first bowel movement to occur several hours after you begin your prep.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I EXPERIENCE BLOATING, NAUSEA OR VOMITING DURING MY PREP?
A: Take thirty minutes to one hour break from your prep, then restart your prep at the same pace as originally instructed. Drink plenty of other clear liquids. Do the best you can.
Q: CAN I DRIVE AFTER MY PROCEDURE?
A: No, you must have someone with you that is able to drive you home due to the effects of the deep sedation you received during your procedure. You may not drive the rest of the day.
Q: HOW LONG SHOULD I EXPECT TO BE AT THE ENDOSCOPY CENTER?
A: You should expect to be at the endoscopy center on Nationwide Drive for approximately one and a half hours from time of your arrival. If you are having your procedure at the hospital endoscopy center then you will be spending a minimum of two hours there.
Q: WILL I FEEL PAIN DURING THE PROCEDURE?
A: Everyone’s response to pain is different. We use Monitored Anesthesia Care for all procedures at the endoscopy center on Nationwide Drive. This is administered by an anesthesiologist. Some people are amazed to awake in the recovery room with little or no recollection of the procedure.
Q: WHAT DOES RECOVERY INVOLVE?
A: Once you arrive to the recovery area, a staff member will monitor your vital signs as you recover and help you prepare to go home. Usually patients are able to have something to drink before they leave.
Q: WHEN CAN I GET THE TEST RESULTS?
A: The doctor who performs the test will have a general idea of your results, which will be explained to you and your family/friend before you leave. If a tissue sample was collected during the procedure, it will be sent to the lab for further analysis. The doctor will contact you with those results in seven to ten days.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I BRING AND WEAR?
A: Bring your insurance cards and photo ID. Bring a responsible adult to drive you home. Bring your payment for deductibles and/or co-payments. Wear comfortable clothing, elastic waistbands are best. We ask that you not wear jewelry of any type to your appointment.
Q: DO I HAVE TO HAVE SEDATION?
A: We highly recommend that you do unless there are extenuating factors, but you can choose not to have sedation if you prefer.
Q: HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?
A: It generally takes less than half an hour.
Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER?
A: Most people feel okay when they get into the recovery area but it can take up to 30 minutes depending on your response to the sedation.
