Preparing For Your Endoscopy
Please select your upcoming endoscopy procedure to see the full list of preparations and instructions. It is very important that you follow the instructions listed carefully. If you are unable to follow any of the instructions listed please contact us immediately.
Prior to the procedure, you may need to have a physical exam, blood tests or other kinds of tests. You will be instructed to not consume food or liquid for at least 8 hours prior to the procedure.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medication and supplements you are taking. If you have any allergies, are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Your healthcare provider will explain what happens during the procedure.
Your doctor will discuss any risks or complications that may occur. You will be provided with a consent form by your doctor. Read the form carefully and don not hesitate to ask any questions you may have.
Prior to your Capsule Endoscopy, your doctor will review steps that will help you prepare for the procedure. Please make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions when preparing for the endoscopy. Failure to follow the directions may result in the rescheduling of your Capsule Endoscopy.
In order to capture clear images of your digestive tract, you cannot eat or drink for at least 12 hours before the procedure. Your doctor may also ask you to take a laxative before your Capsule Endoscopy so that you can fully flush out your small intestine.
Depending on the medications you take, your doctor may ask you to not take certain medications before the procedure to avoid camera interference.
For your colonoscopy to be successful, your colon will need to be completely cleaned out. An unclean colon will make it difficult for the doctor to get clear images and may cause some abnormalities to be missed.
To make sure your colon is completely cleaned out; you may be asked to:
- Take laxatives – Taking a laxative in either liquid or pill form, is a common recommendation and swill most likely need to be done the night before and the morning of the procedure.
- Keep to a specific diet – You will not be able to eat solid food the day before your colonoscopy. All consumed liquids will need to be clear (water, tea, etc.). After midnight on the night before the procedure you will not be able to eat or drink anything.
- Adjust your medications – Some medications may interfere with your colonoscopy results. Please speak with your doctor about any medication you may be taking. Your dosage may need to be temporarily adjusted.
- Use an enema – Using an over the counter enema kit right before the procedure will effectively empty your lower colon. An enema is not a commonly recommended tool but may be helpful.
Transportation – Patients are usually given a sedative during a colonoscopy. You will need assistance after the procedure, and it is recommended to have someone take you home after your test.
During a Rubber-Band Ligation procedure, your doctor will place a small rubber band over the base of your internal hemorrhoid. This will cut off the blood flow to the hemorrhoid causing it to shrink and fall off. It usually takes approximately 1 week for this procedure to work.
While this treatment can cause pain and bleeding, it has been found to be more effective than others at preventing hemorrhoids from returning.
In very rare cases this treatment may cause infection or blood clots.
