All Preparations

Prepare For Your Procedure

To accurately evaluate the health of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, your doctor needs a clear view of the bowel. The best way to get a clear view is for you to complete a few steps to flush the bowel free of waste material prior to your endoscopy procedure.

Commonly called a “prep,” the process involves drinking a solution or taking laxatives and enemas to flush the colon. You must follow the prep instructions thoroughly. If not, your procedure may need to be rescheduled.

From the list below, download the instructions for the prep your doctor selected for you.

Please note: These are generic prep instructions and do not include any specific steps from your provider.

Colonoscopy

 

Upper GI Endoscopy

Frequently Asked Questions about Your Procedure

On the day of your procedure, please bring the following:

  • Insurance card, photo ID, & copayment (if required)
  • List of current medications & allergies
  • Copy of your advance directive (if you have one)

You may take your prescribed medications with a small sip of water–unless instructed otherwise by your physician’s office.

 

We recommend you dress in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Wear a two-piece outfit with a short-sleeved shirt. You may want to bring a sweater or light jacket along with you. Wear comfortable and supportive footwear. Avoid heels or flip-flops. Many patients find it most comfortable to wear or bring socks. Do not wear bulky jewelry.

 

No. For the comfort and safety of our patients, Albany Gastroenterology’s Endoscopy Center is a fragrance-free facility. You and your driver should not wear perfumes, scented lotions or oils the day of your procedure.

 

No. These items are not permitted in the 5 hours prior to a sedated procedure. They have the ability to increase saliva and gastric secretions. Serious medical complications are associated with patients who do not have an empty stomach. The use of these items will cause a delay or cancellation of your procedure.

 

You will be contacted by our office a week in advance to confirm your procedure and arrival time.  Your scheduled arrival time allows for the completion of consent forms and a medical information review. Occasionally, fluctuations in the schedule occur and you may be requested to arrive earlier or later than originally scheduled.

 

No. If you are receiving sedation during your procedure, you may not drive for 24 hours after the procedure—you must have a driver to transport you home.

Returning to work or school after a sedated procedure is not recommended. Activities should be limited. Operating a motor vehicle or power equipment is not permitted for 24 hours following the procedure. Most individuals are able to resume normal activities the following day.

Discharge instructions will be provided to you. Please read and follow them carefully. 

No. Due to HIPAA privacy requirements, only patients are allowed in the procedure area.

You should plan to be at our facility for 2 to 2.5 hours due to the pre- and post-procedure process, as well as any unforeseen schedule fluctuations.

Yes, but tampons cannot be worn.

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