May I eat or drink on the day of my exam or surgery?

You should not eat or drink or use tobacco products after midnight the night before your procedure, unless an anesthesiologist tells you otherwise. Not following these orders can be dangerous and can cause your case to be cancelled.

What should I bring with me to the center?

Bring any documents from your doctor, a case for your eyeglasses or contact lenses, your insurance card and form of payment. Wear comfortable, loose clothing and low-heeled shoes. Please do not wear contact lenses, make-up, body lotion, perfume and other cosmetics. Leave all jewelry and other valuables at home.

How long will the procedure take?

An EGD typically takes 15 to 20 minutes. A colonoscopy typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Will I be in pain when I wake up?

For an EGD, a patient sometimes has a mild sore throat, which is very temporary and promptly responds to saline gargling. For a colonoscopy, you may feel some slight abdominal cramping or a sensation of having gas, but this is temporary.

How long do I have to stay after my procedure?

Following an EGD, you will be returned to the pre-op area where you will be monitored by our staff until a significant portion of the medication has worn off. That amount of time varies among patients, usually from 30 minutes to 1 hour. When fully recovered, the family is called back to speak with the doctor regarding the procedure and discharge instructions, such as when to resume your usual diet. At that time, you will be allowed to be taken home. Because of the use of sedation, we require that you be taken home by another person and not to drive on your own.

Following a colonoscopy, you will stay in the pre-op area for about 30 minutes for observation. When fully recovered, the family is called back to speak with doctor regarding the procedure and discharge instructions, including when to resume your usual diet and medications. At that time, you will be allowed to be taken home. Because of the use of sedation, we require that you be taken home by another person and not to drive on your own.

Do I need someone to take me home?

Yes – your procedure will be canceled if you have not arranged for a responsible adult to take you home. We cannot discharge a patient via taxi.