Will a colonoscopy hurt?
You may feel some cramping as you colon is being inflated with air and/or as the scope is being advanced. However, our goal is to make you as comfortable as is safely possible. Please let us know when you are experiencing discomfort.

Will a endoscopy hurt?
Patients have the option of deep sedation (asleep), conscious sedation (awake, but mildly sedated) or no sedation. Discomfort will vary from patient to patient. If conscious or with no sedation, you may gag initially as the scope is passed into your esophagus. Once that has been accomplished (usually requiring one good swallow on the patient's part), you may experience mild bloating and cramping. Once again, our goal is to keep you as comfortable as safely possible. Please let us know if you are uncomfortable.

Who will be in the room with me?
There will usually be one or two physicians, an anesthesiologist, a registered nurse and an endoscopy technician in the room with you assisting with your procedure. They are all specially trained in endoscopic procedures.

How long does the procedure take?
Colonoscopy can take from 20 to 40 minutes.
Endoscopy can take from 15 to 30 minutes.
The procedure can take more or less time and varies from person to person.

Does a colonoscopy show if I have colon cancer?
Yes. In fact, colonoscopy is considered to be the most accurate way to determine the health of your colon. This includes checking for cancer, polyps, colitis, diverticulosis, and other less common lower digestive problems.

If the doctor finds a polyp during my procedure, will he remove it?
In most cases, yes. All of our doctors are trained in the latest endoscopic techniques. Most polyps can be removed at the time of procedure.

How long do I have to stay after my procedure is completed?
On average, patients are observed for 60 minutes (this can take longer, depending on how well the patient is recovering) after their procedure. After you have had something to drink, have been able to sit up, have stable vital signs, and are able to ambulate unassisted, you and your companion will be free to leave. (You cannot leave without an adult to escort you home.)

When/what can I eat afterwards?
You can eat and drink normally afterwards, although we recommend starting with a light meal and advancing your diet as tolerated.

Can I go back to work that day?
Do not work on the day of the procedure. You may return to work the following day provided that your physician has not recommended otherwise.

Can I take a cab home by myself?
No. You cannot leave by yourself. You must have an adult pick you up in the Endoscopy Center and escort you home. DUE TO THE SEDATION GIVEN DURING THE PROCEDURE, WE CANNOT PERFORM YOUR PROCEDURE UNLESS YOU HAVE AN ADULT WHO CAN PICK YOU UP IN THE ENDOSCOPY CENTER AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE AND ESCORT YOU HOME. UNFORTUNATELY, IN THE INTEREST OF PATIENT SAFETY, THERE CAN BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS.

Can my escort drop me off and than pick me up afterward?
If your escort is unable to register with you, we require a number by which we can contact them to verify your ride. Your escort will need to pick you up in the Endoscopy Center after the procedure. DUE TO THE SEDATION GIVEN DURING THE PROCEDURE, WE CANNOT PERFORM YOUR PROCEDURE UNLESS YOU HAVE AN ADULT WHO CAN PICK YOU UP IN THE ENDOSCOPY CENTER AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE AND ESCORT YOU HOME. UNFORTUNATELY, IN THE INTEREST OF PATIENT SAFETY, THERE CAN BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS.

When will I receive my results?
We will tell you your procedure findings before you leave to go home. However, if you have had any biopsies done, it will take several days before the results are ready. You will obtain those results from your primary care physician or the physician who ordered the test for you.

Liver Biopsy

What is a liver biopsy?

• A procedure, which takes a small piece of tissue from the liver for biopsy.
• A very thin hollow needle is punctured through the skin in the area of the liver.

What will the biopsy show?

• It can show the amount of damage to the liver from different types of liver diseases or treatment:
• Acute or chronic jaundiceDrug-related liver diseas
• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis/Portal Hypertension
• Abnormal Liver Function Test
• Check response to drug therapy
• Infections or other diseases

What happens during the biopsy?

• You will have to change into a hospital gown.
• You will be told about the test and be asked to sign a consent form. Feel free to ask questions.
• You will lie on your back with your right arm positioned under your head.
• The area for the biopsy is marked.
• The site is then scrubbed and cleaned with a medication to decrease the chance of infection. It is very important that you do not move, or the area will become contaminated.
• The area is then numbed with a local anesthetic. (It feels like a bee sting.)
• When the needle is inserted you may feel a jab (thump) to your right side. If enough tissue is obtained, the test is completed.

How long will the biopsy take?

• The test takes about 15 minutes.
• Because of the risk of bleeding, you will be taken to the recovery room and stay for approximately six hours.
• You may leave once you have tolerated a liquid diet, and your vital signs are stable.
• No driving.
• Do not lift anything heavier than a telephone book for 24 hours.
• Results of the biopsy will be given to you at your next appointment.