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 Gastroscopic Exam Preparation
Colonoscopy Instructions For Fleet Phospho-Soda Preparation
Colonoscopic Exam & Polypectomy Information
Gastroscopic Exam Preparation
We have prepared this information because many patients are not familiar with Gastroscopy.
We feel that if you know more about this procedure, you will be less apprehensive.
What is "Gastroscopy"?
Who are we?
What must I do?
Who should I bring?
What will happen?
Is it painful?
What is a biopsy?
Will he tell me what he finds?
Will I notice anything different?
When can I return to a normal diet?
Are there any complications?
What about payment?
What if I have other questions?
What is "Gastroscopy"?
It is a diagnostic procedure, which allows the physician to look into the upper
digestive system without surgery. There is no incision. The examination usually takes less
than a half-hour, and there is little or no discomfort. It permits a different way of viewing
the lining of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The purpose is to learn more about the
problem you may have.
Who are we?
We are all specialists in Gastroenterology and Endoscopy. We have teaching appointments at
The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and have a long-standing association with Englewood
Hospital and Medical Center and Holy Name Hospital.
What must I do?
The stomach must be empty for 8 hours before the test. This means you can have nothing
at all by mouth, including water. You may eat and drink normally the day before.
Discontinue the use of aspirin products (including Ecotrin, Bayer, etc.), Iron and
Vitamin E for one week before the procedure. Please follow all additional instructions
carefully. Please advise the office if you are taking insulin, anticoagulants, or if you
have had joint replacements, heart problems or, medication allergies.
Who should I bring?
A companion, because we will give you an injection to relax. It will make you drowsy
and we want someone to help you return home. You will NOT need general anesthesia.
Because of the sedation, we suggest that you go directly home after the procedure. Do
not plan to make any major decisions on the day that you receive medication. You may
not drive for 24 hours following your procedure.
What will happen?
A flexible tube about the thickness of a finger will be inserted into the Stomach. The
physician will usually be able to view the entire inner lining of the upper intestine.
Is it painful?
With our technique and some medication, pain is unusual.
What is a biopsy?
If the doctor sees any unusual condition, he may take a sample of tissue for examination
in a laboratory. If he does, you will feel nothing. Biopsies are taken for many reasons
and should not be equated with cancer. We check our biopsies for gastric inflammation and
H-Pylori.
Will he tell me what he finds?
Yes. As soon as the examination is over, we will tell you what we found. Naturally, a report
from the laboratory will take a few days.
Will I notice anything different?
Not at all. There may be a full feeling due to air. There may be a slight sore throat that
lasts less than 24 hours.
When can I return to a normal diet?
As soon as the procedure has been completed, you may resume your usual diet, unless other
instructions are given.
Are there any complications?
We have performed several thousand examinations, and in our hands the potential for problems
related to the procedure or to medication is extremely slight. Possible complications are
bleeding or perforation. If you are concerned about any symptoms, call the office at any time of the
day or night.
What about payment?
Four charges are associated with our procedures:
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The Dr.'s fee: Your medical insurance benefit plan may pay some or
the entire fee depending on your type of coverage.
ALL PATIENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR DEDUCTIBLES AND CO-PAYMENTS AS
DETERMINED BY YOUR INSURANCE PLAN.
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Facility Fee: The Endoscopy unit is a certified ambulatory center.
Most insurance carriers will pay for the use of the facility.
However, you will be responsible for deductibles and co-payments as
determined by your insurance plan for outpatient procedures.
If you
do not have insurance, please advise us in advance.
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Pathology/Laboratory fees: If a biopsy is taken, an independent
laboratory will bill you or your insurance carrier directly for the
preparation and interpretation of the specimen.
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Anesthesia Fees: Sedation is administered by an independent
anesthesia group (Judah Schorr, M.D.). Either you or your insurance
carrier will be directly by them.
We accept cash, personal checks, MasterCard, Discover and Visa credit cards.
What if I have other questions?
Please call us. We want you to feel comfortable about Gastroscopy. It is only
through a relationship of mutual trust and respect that we can achieve our
common goal - your good health. We thank you and your referring physician for
choosing us to participate in this phase of your treatment.
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