GASTROENTEROLOGY (GI) INFORMATION

Select a Topic to Learn More About...

• EGD
  
  
• Colonoscopy
  
  
• Scheduling Your Procedure
  
  
• Preparing For Your Procedure
  
  
• The Day of Your Procedure
  
  
• After Your Procedure
  
  
• When You Get Home
  
  
• Your Fee
  
  

ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY (EGD)

This procedure, also referred to as an upper endoscopy, allows the physician to examine the lining of the esophagus (food tube), stomach, and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine); to take a biopsy; and to identify any abnormalities. EGD's are used to diagnose problems such as ulcers, reflux/esophagitis, gastritis and esophageal stricture.

During the procedure, a local anesthetic may be given to numb your throat. After asking you to swallow, your physician will pass a flexible fiberoptic scope easily through your mouth and into your digestive tract. The scope will not interfere with your breathing. Gagging is a common concern among patients having an EGD; however, because of the local anesthetic and sedation, this usually is not a problem.

You will receive IV sedation to help you be comfortable and sleepy. Many patients are so sleepy they do not remember the test itself, but others may only nap off and on.

Following Your Procedure

You may experience the following:

• Mild abdominal discomfort, bloating or gas discomfort. These symptoms can be relieved by ambulating/walking and eating lightly. Start with liquids and light foods, and slowly return to your normal diet.

• Mild sore throat or throat irritation. Gargle with warm salt water (1/2 tsp. salt to 8 oz. warm water) or use throat lozenges.

• YOU MUST HAVE A RESPONSIBLE ADULT DRIVE YOU HOME AND STAY WITH YOU UNTIL THE NEXT MORNING.

When your procedure is completed, you will return to your room where a nurse will continue to monitor you as you rest.

Usually your physician will discuss his/her findings with you and your family before you leave the center. The nurse will review specific instructions for care after discharge with you and your family. Some general guidelines are as follows:

• Plan to go directly home and rest. It is common to feel tired for the remainder of the day.

• To avoid excessive abdominal discomfort, resume your normal diet slowly.

• In most cases you will be ready to resume your normal activities in 24 hours.

• You must have a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you until the following morning.

COLONOSCOPY

This procedure allows the physician to examine the inner surface lining of the colon (large intestine) and identify any disease or abnormality that may exist. It is frequently perfomed to locate and remove polyps. A biopsy may also be obtained and sent to the lab for further analysis. Colonoscopy screening at age 50 is highly recommended by both the American Cancer Society and the American Society of Gastroenterologists. Colonoscopy is recommended sooner than age 50 if you have a family history of colon cancer or if you have symptoms, such as bleeding or abdominal pain.

During this procedure you will be asked to lie on your side while a flexible scope is passed through your rectum into the lower intestinal tract. Air is inserted into the colon throughthe scope to make it easier for the physician to examine the area. This air is removed as the scope is withdrawn. Since this procedure requires a special colon cleansing prep, your normal bowel movements may not resume until 1-2 days after the procedure. If you have a biopsy of your colon or polyps removed, you should avoid straining or lifting more than 20 lbs. for 3 days.

Following Your Procedure

You may experience the following:

• Mild abdominal discomfort, bloating or gas discomfort. These symptoms can be relieved by ambulating/walking, eating, and freely passing gas. Start with liquids and light foods and slowly return to your normal diet.

• YOU MUST HAVE A RESPONSIBLE ADULT DRIVE YOU HOME AND STAY WITH YOU UNTIL THE NEXT MORNING.

When your procedure is completed, you will return to your room where a nurse will continue to monitor you as you rest.

Usually your physician will discuss his/her findings with you and your family before you leave the center. The nurse will review specific instructions for care after discharge with you and your family. Some general guidelines are as follows:

• Plan to go directly home and rest. It is common to feel tired for the remainder of the day.

• To avoid excessive abdominal discomfort, resume your normal diet slowly.

• In most cases you will be ready to resume your normal activities in 24 hours.

• You must have a responsible adult drive you home and stay with you until the following morning.

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• Your physician may have discussed your procedure with you and scheduled it with us.
• Please be sure to inform your physician regarding any changes in your condition and/or illnesses prior to your procedure.
• Consult your physician if any changes occur.

• For a colonoscopy, follow the colon cleansing preparations you received from your physician's office. It is necessary to pick up the laxatives or cleansing solutions 2 or more days prior to the day of your procedure. You should start a clear liquid diet the morning of the day before your procedure.

• Please do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure: including gum, water, mints, or vitamins unless your physician/anesthesiologist has given you special instructions stating otherwise.
• If you take fluids or any food close to your procedure time, your procedure may have to be delayed or rescheduled.
• If your colon is not cleansed thoroughly and has not resulted in yellow, clear stools, please contact your physician as soon as possible.

 

• DO NOT eat or drink anything in the morning, unless you have been given special instructions stating otherwise.
• DO NOT wear jewelry or watches.
• DO wear comfortable clothing so you can change easily.
• DO bring slippers.
• DO leave valuables at home.
• DO remember to bring your insurance card with you.
• DO be here 45 minutes before your procedure (unless instructed differently) to complete your admission forms, sign your consent, and to meet with a nurse who will perform a brief assessment, record vital signs, and start an IV.
• Your physician/anesthesiologist will discuss your procedure with you, and answer any remaining questions you might have.
• DO BRING A RESPONSIBLE ADULT TO WAIT FOR YOU DURING YOUR PROCEDURE AND TO STAY WITH YOU UNTIL THE NEXT MORNING. BECAUSE OF ANY SEDATION YOU MAY RECEIVE, YOU MAY NOT REMEMBER ALL OF THE INFORMATION GIVEN TO YOU BY YOUR NURSE, AND YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESPOND TO EMERGENT SITUATIONS.
• Persons under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian with them to sign the consent forms.
• As soon your physician is available, you will be taken to the procedure room. You will be given a sedative and analgesic to make you feel relaxed and comfortable. Throughout the procedure you will be monitored closely by a specially trained nurse.

• You will rest in your room under the care of specially trained nurses.
• You may be sleepy or slightly lightheaded after your procedure.
• YOU MUST HAVE A RESPONSIBLE ADULT WITH YOU TO DRIVE YOU HOME AND STAY WITH YOU UNTIL THE NEXT MORNING.
• Your nurse and physician will answer your questions and give you instructions before you are discharged.
• You will receive a written copy of these instructions as well. Please follow them carefully.
• Be prepared to go home and finish your recovery there.
• DO NOT make any important decisions, drive, or operate machinery until the next morning.
• You may go back to work the next morning unless your physician directs you differently.

When You Get Home

• Patients may experience minor after effects following sedation/anesthesia, such as drowsiness, mild abdominal cramping, lightheadedness or a minor sore throat (from EGD).
• Nausea may be present, but vomiting is less common.
• These side effects decline rapidly in the hours following your procedure and should be completely gone by the next day.
• Contact your physician if you have questions or concerns.

• Menomonee Falls Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLP charges a facility fee.
• This includes charges for the procedure room, admitting, recovery room and other services during your stay.
• This DOES NOT include fees charged by your surgeon/gastroenterologist, anesthesiologist, pathologist, radiologist, or miscellaneous charged items that would be billed separately, if applicable.

Contact your Insurance Company in advance if you have any questions regarding coverage.

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"Thank you for choosing to have your surgery/procedure with us"