Additional Instructions for Endoscopic Procedures

Additional Instructions for Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy (EGD) and other Endoscopic Procedures

The Day Before

• If you are having a colonoscopy, your physician will provide you with preparation and instructions for the exam. Please follow these instructions as closely as possible.
• If you have any problems with your preparation, call you physician even if it is after office hours.
• If you are a diabetic and are having a colonoscopy, please contact your physician for instructions on how much insulin you should take on your bowel preparation day and your procedure day.

The Day of the Procedure

• The morning of your procedure, you may brush your teeth, remembering not to swallow. Do not eat any candy or chew gum.
• If your physician has advised you to take any medication, take it first thing in the morning with a sip of water.
• If your exam is scheduled for the afternoon, your physician may permit a clear liquid breakfast. Clear liquids include water, apple juice, cranberry juice, clear broth and tea. Please check with your physician before having any liquids.
• After your procedure, plan on remaining at home for the rest of the day. You may resume all of your activities within 24 hours of the exam.
• Please arrange for an adult to drive you home as you will not be able to drive. Failure to have someone available to drive you home may result in cancellation of our procedure.
• The entire exam and recovery should take about two – three hours.
• Please expect to be at the facility approximately three hours, including the hour you arrive before your exam.
• The person driving you to and from the procedure should wait for you at the facility, if possible.

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