Preparing for your Procedure
The two main types of procedures a gastroenterologist performs are an upper endoscopy, also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and a lower endoscopy, also known as a colonoscopy. These procedures are typically performed with the help of a anesthesiologist, who administers sedation. There may be rare instances the procedure is performed with moderate sedation, or sometimes referred to as "twilight" sedation. If your medical provider deems a procedure is necessary for your care, our staff will provide education and detailed instructions regarding the preparation for the procedure. Below is a general idea of what to expect, but we strongly encourage patients to review their specific instructions.
Upper Endoscopy (EGD):
Your doctor may suggest the EGD if you have been reporting symptoms of abdominal pain or persistent heartburn. This procedure involves the insertion of a camera at the end of long tube through the patient's mouth. The camera is guided into the esophagus, stomach, and then the duodenum.
Day(s) before Procedure
Unless specifically, instructed, there is no need to alter your diet. Exceptions could include:
-
Blood thinner (e.g., Eliquis) or antiplatelet agent (e.g., Plavix), you should make sure you received instructions to hold the medication to minimize the risk for bleeding complications during the procedure.
-
Gastroparesis (condition of delayed stomach emptying) or are currently taking a GLP-1 agonist medication (e.g., Ozempic) can increase the risk for having food in your stomach during the procedure. Ensure, you have received specific instructions for holding your GLP-1 agonist or diet modification of clear liquids the day prior.
-
Clearances by your cardiologist or pulmonologist may be requested if you are deemed to have a high risk for the procedure or have ongoing heart or lung conditions requiring active management.
Please reach out to your office if you have any questions or concerns.
Day of Procedure
One of the greatest risk of the procedure can be aspiration of stomach contents, and it is important to not eat anything 8 hours prior to your procedure. Medications with small amount of water are typically acceptable.
Additional reading and reference:
Day of Procedure
One of the greatest risk of the procedure can be aspiration of stomach contents, and it is important to not eat anything 8 hours prior to your procedure. Medications with small amount of water are typically acceptable.
Additional reading and reference:
Colonoscopy:
Your doctor may suggest the colonoscopy if you are due for colon cancer screening or having symptoms of rectal bleeding. This procedure involves a camera at the end of a long tube that is inserted into the anus, and guided through the large intestines, or colon, until it joins the small intestines.
Day(s) before Procedure
It is of the utmost importance to have a clean "prep" or preparation for the endoscopist to see your colon wall clearly. This will minimize the risk of missing a lesion that may be covered by stool. In order, to achieve this, you will be instructed to consume a "prep" or regimen of laxatives to help evacuate stool and residue. Depending on your medical history, you may also be given additional instructions, such as:
-
Blood thinner (e.g., Eliquis) or antiplatelet agent (e.g., Plavix), you should make sure you received instructions to hold the medication to minimize the risk for bleeding complications during the procedure.
-
Clearances by your cardiologist or pulmonologist may be requested if you are deemed to have a high risk for the procedure or have ongoing heart or lung conditions requiring active management.
Preparation instructions:
Split-prep
2-day prep
Please reach out to your office if you have any questions or concerns.
