About Your Surgery

(Includes Endoscopy and Colonoscopy) Click on the Frequently Asked Questions below to learn about your surgery.

The questions below may help you for before, during, and after your surgery.

Before Procedure

What to expect before your day of procedure.

• What tests are required prior to my procedure?

  For Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, pre-operative testing is not routinely completed, but may be ordered in some cases. 

  We will do a urine pregnancy test at the center for female patients age 55 and younger.  The only exception is for patients who have had a hysterectomy or have not menstruated for one year or more. 

• Will I be contacted prior to my procedure by the facility?

  Yes. You may receive an email or please click on the LINK on the home page o complete a pre-operative health assessment using ONE MEDICAL PASSPORT. (create link) You may receive a phone call a few days prior to surgery by a member of your health care team if they have any questions about your pr-operative health assessment. You may also be contacted by someone in the facility’s business office to address financial matters such as your responsibility for co-payments and deductibles.  Finally, you may also be contacted by your anesthesiologist. 

  If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call to speak to a member of your health care team at any time.

• What should I bring?
  1. Please bring a photo identification and your insurance card(s). Our staff will need to verify and make copies when you check-in on the day of your surgery.
  2. Be sure to bring any medications that you may need during your stay at the facility (e.g., inhaler or insulin).
  3. Please bring a list of all drugs you are currently taking.
  4. Please bring payment of any patient responsibility (e.g. co-payment or deductible)
  5. Please do not bring rings, watches, or other valuables.
• Should I arrange a ride to the facility?

  Yes. You will not be allowed to drive after surgery. Please arrange for an adult to drive you home and for someone to be with you when you arrive.

• What may I eat and drink before procedure?

  If you are scheduled for a colonoscopy or endoscopic ultrasound of the colon, please take the colon prep solution and follow diet orders as instructed by your physician.  This usually includes having only clear liquids the day before your procedure.  Clear liquids may be allowed up to 3 hours before your scheduled arrival time on the day of your procedure.  Please check with your doctor.  You may take your heart, blood pressure (and/or other medications as instructed by your physician) on the morning of your surgery with small sips of water.

  If you are scheduled for an upper endoscopy you are permitted nothing to eat or drink after midnight.  You may be allowed to drink clear liquids up to 3 hours before your scheduled arrival time.  Please check with your doctor.  You may take your heart, blood pressure (and/or other medications as instructed by your physician) on the morning of your surgery with small sips of water.

  These are the Center’s minimum requirements.  Your doctor’s instructions may vary slightly but should not be less than the above.

• Should I take my routine medications on the day of procedure?

  Please see the Center’s recommendations above.  Your physician’s instructions may vary slightly.  Also, as noted above, please be prepared to list all medications (including name and dose) you are taking and to bring any with you that may be needed during your stay (e.g., inhaler or insulin).

  It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any medications to thin your blood.  They may need to be stopped for some time before your surgery or procedure.  Some examples of medications that thin the blood are aspirin, coumadin, plavix, effient, vitamin E, fish oil, and anti-inflammatory medications.  Do not stop any medications without first speaking to your doctor.

• What can I do to help ensure that I have the proper procedure on the correct site?

  Your safety is our primary concern. Your entire health care team will follow rigorous guidelines regarding site identification and procedure confirmation. National Patient Safety Goals have been developed which require your involvement too. You will be asked numerous times to confirm both the procedure you are having and the surgical site. You should take a very active role in all discussions with your physician, your anesthesia provider and our staff regarding the identification of your procedure and the correct surgical site.  In most cases, your surgeon will mark the site prior to your procedure.

• What if I think I might be pregnant?

  Please be sure to notify your physician, anesthesiologist and nurse prior to the date of surgery if you think you may be pregnant. The surgical procedure, anesthesia and medications may be harmful to a developing baby. Please be prepared to provide a urine sample when you arrive at the Center.  We will do a urine pregnancy test for female patients age 55 and younger.  The only exception is for patients who have had a hysterectomy or have not menstruated for one year or more. 

Day of Procedure

• What will happen when I first arrive at the facility?

  When you arrive at the facility, you will be checked-in by a member of our staff. The admission process is usually very quick as we have obtained most of your information prior to your arrival. This final check allows us to verify all of your key information so we can better serve you.

• What should I wear?

  For your comfort, we encourage you to wear clothing that can be easily removed and stored. Please avoid wearing any jewelry, piercings, nail polish and cosmetics, and leave contact lenses at home or bring your lens case with you.

• What should I do with my clothes and additional belongings?

  A nurse will escort you into the pre-operative area where you will change your clothes. Your belongings will be safely stored until you are ready to go home. We recommend that you leave all valuables and additional accessories at home.

• What happens after I check-in?

  A nurse will conduct a pre-operative assessment that will include taking your vital signs and starting an IV if it is required for your procedure. The anesthesia provider will also speak with you in the pre-operative area to review all pre-operative information and discuss your anesthesia.  Our staff will keep your family and friends informed of your progress.  We understand the anxiety family and friends will have while you are having your procedure.  We will make every effort to keep them informed of your progress and when they will be able to re-join you after the procedure.

• What can I do to help ensure that I have the proper procedure on the correct site?

  Your safety is our primary concern. Your entire health care team will follow rigorous guidelines regarding site identification and procedure confirmation. National Patient Safety Goals have been developed which require your involvement too. You will be asked numerous times to confirm both the procedure you are having and the surgical site. You should take a very active role in all discussions with your physician, your anesthesia provider and our staff regarding the identification of your procedure and the correct surgical site.  In most cases, your surgeon will mark the site prior to your procedure.

• When should I arrive?

  You will receive instructions regarding arrival time during your pre-operative phone call.  Patients will receive arrival times from the doctor’s office, typically this is 60 minutes prior to your scheduled procedure time.  It is important that you arrive at the designated time.

• What if I think I might be pregnant?

  Please be sure to notify your physician, anesthesiologist and nurse prior to the date of surgery if you think you may be pregnant. The surgical procedure, anesthesia and medications may be harmful to a developing baby. Please be prepared to provide a urine sample when you arrive at the Center.  We will do a urine pregnancy test for female patients age 55 and younger.  The only exception is for patients who have had a hysterectomy or have not menstruated for one year or more.  

• Can I smoke?

  No. We advise against smoking on the day of your procedure. Smoking may interfere with the anesthesia and frequently produces nausea during the recovery period.

Anesthesia

• Are there different kinds of sedation or anesthesia?

  Yes. There are five different categories of sedation and anesthesia: Conscious Sedation, General, Regional, Monitored Anesthesia Care and Local Anesthesia. Regardless of the type of sedation or anesthesia that you receive, special anesthetic agents and techniques are used to provide a safe and speedy recovery. If there are alternative choices available for your surgery, and often there are, your physician or anesthesia provider will discuss them with you before surgery.

• May I request the type of anesthesia I will receive?

  Depending on the type of surgery, there may be anesthetic options. Your physician or anesthesia provider will discuss available options with you after reviewing your medical history.

• What are the risks of anesthesia?

  All surgical procedures and all anesthetics have risks. These risks are dependent upon many factors, including the type of surgery and the medical condition of the patient. Your anesthesiologist will assess you preoperatively and every precaution will be taken to minimize your risk. We routinely see minor symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, sore throat, dizziness, tiredness, headache, muscle aches and pain, most of which are easily treated.  Please feel free to discuss any questions with your anesthesia provider.

• Will I be billed separately by the anesthesiologist?

  Yes. You will receive a separate bill from your anesthesia provider if anesthesia was administered.

• Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to procedure?

  It is important to refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents (complication related to vomiting) during your surgery. This complication may be very serious. Specific instructions based on national safety standards will be provided to you prior to your procedure. It is very important that you follow the provided instructions.  If you do not, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled.

After Procedure

• What will happen if I am not able to go home?
  Admissions to a hospital from a surgery center happen occasionally. In certain circumstances, your physician or anesthesiologist may determine that you need to be transferred to a hospital for additional post operative care.
• What if I am not feeling well once I get home?

  If you are in serious pain, or exhibit warning symptoms described in your discharge instructions, please call your physician, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

• What can I eat when I get home?

  Your surgeon may have specific recommendations for your post operative diet. We generally suggest that you eat lightly after surgery, and strongly encourage you to drink plenty of fluids. You should avoid alcoholic beverages.

• How will my pain be managed?

  The management of your pain is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our post operative call at home. During your stay at the facility, you will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain using a numerical scale (1-10).

  We will often use a combination of different modalities to help make you comfortable - choosing from oral medications, intravenous medications, nerve blocks, injection of local anesthetic during the surgery, etc. Prior to the surgery, the management of your pain should be discussed with both your anesthesiologist and surgeon. Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have. Remember that information on pain management gives you the appropriate expectations and hence a smoother, more comfortable recovery. It is important to follow instructions regarding your post operative pain medication closely.  Many pain medications take 20 to 30 minutes to begin to work.  For best results, the pain medication should be taken before the pain becomes too strong.

• Can my family be with me after procedure?

  Yes, in some cases. After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area. A nurse will monitor your vital signs and make sure you are comfortable as the anesthesia begins to wear off. Once you are awake and alert, your family may be invited back to the recovery area, to  speak to the doctor.  Sometimes, concern for patient privacy prevents us from having visitors in the recovery area.  Please let us know if there are any special circumstances that require a family member to be at the patient’s bedside.   

• May I drive home?

  No. Patients will not be allowed to drive after a procedure and must make necessary transportation arrangements. You must have a responsible adult drive you home. You may not walk or take public transportation home.  You may not take a taxi home unless you have an adult friend or family member with you.   All patient rides must arrive by 4:30pm.  Please call your doctor if you cannot comply with our policy.

• Should I continue my usual medications after procedure?

  Most patients should continue their usual medications after surgery. Patients who have diabetes and those patients on blood thinners may require some adjustment of their medications. These instructions will be clarified with you before you leave the facility. If you have any questions, please call your surgeon or primary care physician.

• How long will I stay after my procedure?
  The amount of recovery time varies from patient to patient. After your procedure, a nurse will monitor your vital signs and make sure you are alert and stable. You will be sent home as soon as your health care team feels it is safe to discharge you from the facility.