Preparing For Your Procedure

Your physician will give you instructions for the type of preparations you will need to make for the procedure you are undergoing. Compliance with these guidelines is necessary for a safe and complete exam and sedation. Failure to comply may result in cancellation of your procedure.

You will be reminded to have a responsible adult to drive you home and be in constant attendance for 24 hours after your procedure. You will be asked to bring a list of your medications and allergies. If you are diabetic, you need to bring your insulin and blood glucose monitor. Your doctor will give you instructions on taking any diabetic medicine before your procedure. Usually, you will be asked not to take it until after your procedure. Hold all of your other medications unless your physician has instructed you otherwise.

The Day Of Your Procedure

Plan to arrive one to two hours before your procedure. Park in the second level ramp, North entrance, and proceed to the Digestive Health Center (Endoscopy).
When you arrive, you will be taken to a prep room to be admitted. This process usually takes 30 minutes.
Wear comfortable clothing. Remove all jewelry including piercings. Leave all valuables and money at home.
Procedures are scheduled for 30 to 60 minutes. A relative/friend can wait in your prep room while you have your procedure. The physician will discuss the findings with him or her after the procedure, with your permission.

Outpatients

You will be observed in a recovery room and then will be discharged. An adult must accompany you home from the hospital. This should be arranged before your procedure. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home or go unaccompanied by public transportation because of the sedation you receive. You must also have an adult in attendance for 24 hours after your procedure.

Inpatients

The Digestive Health Center staff will come to get you 30 minutes before your procedure time. Your family/friend can wait with you. The physician will discuss the findings with him or her after your procedure, with your permission. Your family will accompany you back to your room after the procedure, where you will recover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be asleep for this procedure?

Not necessarily. The sedation medication relaxes you, so you are still able to breathe on your own and respond to commands throughout the procedure.

Will this be painful?

Our goal is to keep you comfortable and safe. We want you to continue to breathe on your own without assistance and keep you as comfortable as possible.

How long does it take for the medication to wear off?

The sedation may stay in your system for up to 24 hours. Most patients are awake and ready to go home within an hour after the procedure. You may feel drowsy and a little dizzy throughout the day, which is why it is important to have someone drive you home and be with you the first 24 hours.

What happens if I start drinking the preparation laxative and I become nauseated or start vomiting?

Slow down. If you’re drinking the gallon preparation (TriLyte, NuLytely or GoLytely), then try to drink 4 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes after waiting about 30 minutes. Try to drink as much as you can as this will improve the quality of the preparation and the quality of the examination.

What happens if I drink the preparation and get no results?

If you don’t have frequent and progressively looser bowel movements within 3 hours of taking the preparation, you will likely need something else to help it to work properly. Have someone purchase rectal suppositories from a pharmacy. Place one in the rectum and, if this doesn’t help, call the Gastroenterology Clinic at (319) 369-4542.

Can I take aspirin, anticoagulants or blood thinners before the procedure?

It is recommended that you discuss with your GI doctor or the prescribing physician to find out if you should stop taking aspirin, arthritis medications, anticoagulants, and blood thinners about 4 days before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding if polyps need to be removed. In most cases, the procedure can still be performed if you forget to stop them. You should stop taking them as soon as you remember and call the GI office at (319) 369-4542. If you are taking Coumadin (warfarin), you should call the GI endoscopy unit at (319) 369-4542 as soon as you realize the error.

I seem to be all "cleaned out," but haven’t finished my preparation. Do I need to finish it?

Yes. You must follow the preparation instructions provided to you to help ensure an accurate and thorough examination.

Who can I call if I have questions regarding the preparation?

If you are a patient scheduled for a colonoscopy and have problems with the preparation and/or have questions during weekday hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), call (319) 369-4542 and ask to speak with the GI nurse.

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