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Before an endoscopy, patients must prepare by consulting with their doctor, quitting food, medication, and tobacco use, and wearing loose-fitting clothing. They may receive a topical anesthetic and anti-anxiety medication or anesthesia. Patients must be accompanied home after the procedure.
A patient will go through the preparation steps for endoscopy which involve training and preparing his or her body for the procedure. These steps include everything from a consultation appointment with your doctor to quitting food, medication, and tobacco use before the test. Patients will also need to consider the clothing they wear during the procedure. Once in the hospital, he and his medical staff will continue with endoscopy preparation designed to help the test run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Due to the nature of some of these preparations, endoscopy generally requires that patients be accompanied on their way home.
One of the first steps in preparing for endoscopy is an appointment between the doctor and the patient. During this appointment, the doctor will explain the procedure and the endoscopic preparation and aftercare steps to the patient. He will then answer any questions the patient may have.
The patient will tell the doctor about all of their allergies, as well as disclose all of their prescription and over-the-counter medications. The doctor will tell him whether or not he should stop taking his medicines before the endoscopy and, if so, which medicines he should stop taking and for how long. Typically, doctors advise patients to stop medications that include aspirin or sucralfate. These drugs can give false test readings. Before the appointment is over, the doctor will have the patient sign a consent form stating that he understands the preparation steps for endoscopy, the risks of the procedure, and the aftercare requirements.
Usually, endoscopy is scheduled during the morning hours because patients must stop eating and drinking at least eight hours before the procedure. Some doctors advise patients to stop eating 10 hours before the test. Clear liquids might be allowed four hours before the endoscopic procedure and patients are usually allowed to brush their teeth before leaving for the hospital. If the doctor determines that the patient may continue to take some essential medications, the patient can usually take them two hours before the procedure with a drink of water. Typically, tobacco users will be advised to stop using any tobacco products at least six hours before the endoscopy.
Endoscopic preparation of the patient will continue in the hospital. Most likely, your doctor or nurse will ask you if you have adhered to all other steps of preparation for endoscopy. Patients should wear loose-fitting clothing on the morning of the procedure that is free of zippers, bra wires, and other metals. If the patient wears dentures or glasses, he will have to remove them before the endoscopy. Some doctors may prefer that patients also remove jewelry such as large earrings and necklaces, as well as tongue or lip piercings.
Typically, patients will receive a topical anesthetic right before the endoscopy test. This numbs the mouth and throat area to prevent vomiting. Depending on the doctor and the patient, a patient might also receive anti-anxiety medications, anesthesia, or both. Either or both of these medications might be used to help relax the patient and prevent vomiting, stiff and tight muscles, and soothe reflexes. Usually, a patient who has just had an endoscopic procedure is not allowed to drive home and must leave the hospital with a family member, friend, or other trusted acquaintance.
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