Procedures

Prep Overview

FOR COLONOSCOPIES ONLY
The Day before the PROCEDURE:

PREPARATION: Remember you must be on Clear Liquids the WHOLE DAY BEFORE THE TEST. The goal of the preparation for the colonoscopy is to cleanse the colon in order to adequately visualize it during the time of the colonoscopy. If there is stool in the colon we may not be able to do the examination or we might miss a small polyp. After the preparation, your last bowel movement should look like water or, at the most, be clear, though lightly colored. If your bowel movements are not clear call the office right away at (609) 267-1555.

Consume only clear liquids the WHOLE day before the procedure. Clear liquids include: coffee, tea, soda, water, plain Jell-O, strained soups, lemon water ice, popsicles, Gatorade, broth, and clear juices. Artificial sweeteners are allowed but NOT milk or cream. Please do not consume any liquids that are red or purple in color. (This is stated in detail on the individual prep sheets.)

If you have lost your prep instructions they are all here to download on the site. Remember to call the office to go over any changes in your medications for the procedure if these were changed and you are unsure or don’t remember your instructions.

FOR ALL PROCEDURES

If you have a fever, cold, or bad cough with phlegm in the days before the procedure or if you use Oxygen all the time, call our office (609) 267-1555 as your procedure may need to reschedule. 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) 267-1555 IMMEDIATELY.

If you have any questions regarding your medications prior to the procedure, please contact our office at (609) 267-1555.

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.

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.

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.

• You should have been given special instructions about your diabetic pills, insulin, aspirin, arthritis medicines, Plavix, Coumadin, vitamins, and diuretics (water pills) {If you take any of these}.
• You should take ALL Inhalers right up to the time of the test.
• Bring a current list of meds and doses with you.
• Bring a ride. If you do not have a ride home, the procedure will be cancelled.
• Bring a list of any Doctors you want a copy of your procedure reports sent to.
• 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 forms page.)
• 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.
• 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.
• It is very important for us to know if you have any medication allergies; or other allergies especially to rubber (latex), eggs, or soy.