Procedure Overview - Points to Remember

 

 

If you have a fever, cold, or bad cough with phelm in the days before the procedure or if you use Oxygen all the time, call our office (609-265-1700) as your procedure may need to rescheduled.

Please Note: Patients with a Defibrillator (Pacemakers are allowed but bring your pacer card), or who wear Oxygen all the time, will not be done at the center. Patients who are over 300 lbs are generally not done in the center, though occasionally the doctor may make an exception.

 If there is a sudden change in your medical health since last being seen in the office or since talking to the office to schedule your procedure, call 609-265-1700 IMMEDIATELY.

If you have any questions regarding your medications prior to the procedure, please contact our office at 609-265-1700.

THERE WILL BE A $50 CANCELLATION FEE CHARGED DIRECTLY TO You THE PATIENT IF THE EXAM IS CANCELLED LESS THAN 72 HOURS FROM THE DATE OF THE EXAM.

For All Procedures:

  • One Week before your test:Reread your Procedure Instructions and follow any written instructions about changes in your medicines.

The Day Before:

  • If you are having a colonoscopy, you must be on clear liquids the WHOLE day before the test.

On The MORNING OF THE PROCEDURE:

  • Do NOT Eat or Drink ANYTHING the day of the test, except a small sip of water to take your morning medicines up to 4 hours before the test. DO NOT CHEW GUM, HARD CANDY, or SMOKE UNLESS given other instructions.
    1. You should have been given special instructions about your diabetic pills, insulin, aspirin, arthritis medicines, plavix, Coumadin, vitamins, and diurectics (water pills) {If you take any ofthese}.
    2. You should take ALL Inhalers right up to the time of the test.
    3. Bring a current list of meds and doses with you.
    4. Bring a ride . If you do not have a ride home, the procedure will be cancelled.
    5. Bring a list of any Doctors you want a copy of your procedure reports sent to.
    6. Arrive at or before your appointment time as it will take a half hour to fill out the paper work and be interviewed by the Nurse and Anesthesia Staff.(Important registration forms can be filled out ahead of time by downloading from our patient form page.)
    7. Leave all jewelry and valuables at home . This does not mean your insurance cards or your eyeglasses. The Endoscopy Center cannot take responsibility for safeguarding your personal items.
    8. Please make arrangements for childcare in advance. The Burlington County Endoscopy Center reception area and recovery room area are not designed to accommodate small children.
    9. It is very important for us to know if you have any medication allergies; or other allergies especially to rubber (latex), eggs, or soy.

What will happen just before the test?

    1. You will sign a consent form for the test and the anesthesia (If you already signed the procedure consent, you will reinitial the consent on the day of the procedure). The anesthesiologist will ask you medical questions to ensure it is safe to give you the anesthesia.
    2. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
    3. An intravenous (IV) line will be started in your arm.
    4. You will be asked to remove your glasses, contact lenses, dentures, and jewelry. We ask you to leave your jewelry at home.

After the Exam

    1. After the examination you will be transported into the recovery room to rest allowing the anesthesia medicine to wear off. Again, you may feel bloated because of the air used during the procedure and will be encouraged to pass this air as this will help make you more comfortable.
    2. You will usually be in the recovery area for 30 minutes.
    3. You may have a family member or a friend listen to your discussion of the test when you are awake.
    4. You will be given typewritten discharge instructions detailing the test results.
    5. If you have had a polyp removed, we ask you not to leave town for at least 24 hours so that if there are any problems such as severe pain, nausea, vomiting, or bleeding, we can immediately respond to help you.
    6. YOU MAY NOT TAKE A BUS OR TAXI HOME!!!!!!!!!
    7. If, in the next 24 hours you experience any of the following, such as prolonged or severe abdominal discomfort, fever, tenderness or significant bleeding, you must contact the Endoscopy Center (Burlington County Endoscopy Center at (609)-267-1555 during business hours which are 8AM to 4:30PM) or AFTER HOURS a doctor from our Practice is available 24 hours a day at 609-265-1700. If for any reason you are unable to reach the doctor (within 15 minutes for serious problems), go to the nearest Emergency Room (Virtua Memorial Hospital 609-267-0700).
    8. If you had a colonoscopy because your colon has been cleaned out for the procedure, do not expect to have a normal bowel movement for at least 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Your first bowel movement may be diarrhea or a loose stool.

Biopsy or Test Results:

  • Biopsy or other tests results are usually available in 2 to 3 weeks and you will be sent the test results by mail or may be contacted by phone from someone in our office. If you have not heard from us about your test results in 2 to 3 weeks, then please call our office at 609-265-1700.

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