Q. How long does the procedure take?
A. Plan on being here 2-3 hours. Arrive 1 hour prior to your scheduled procedure. Our admitting team will be working with you to ensure that all paperwork is complete and you are ready for the procedure. Each procedure is approximately 30minutes long. Most patients are discharged 30 minutes after the procedure. Note: If you are having a liver biopsy, due to the length of the procedure and recovery time, expect to be here between 3-4 hours.
Q. Why do I need someone to drive me home?
A. All patients receiving sedation must have a responsible driver to accompany them on the day of their procedure. A taxi or shuttle is not an approved means of transportation unless you have a family member or friend with you. If you do not arrive with a driver, your procedure will be rescheduled, and you may be charged a cancellation fee. Any patient receiving sedation is not allowed to drive until the following morning.
Q. What can I have to eat on a clear liquid diet?
A. You may have:
- Water
- Clear broth (chicken, vegetable or beef broth- no noodles)
- Apple juice
- White cranberry juice
- White grape juice
- Soda
- Gelatin (Jello)
- Popsicles
- Coffee
- Tea
- No cream, or anything that is red, purple or blue
- You may add sweetener to your coffee or tea
Q. Why should I avoid seed, nuts or corn for 1 week prior to my colonoscopy?
A. Seeds, nuts and corn make it extremely difficult to clean out your colon even with optimal prep. The cleaner your colon is, the easier it is to see the lining, which makes for a more complete exam.
Q. Why must I stop drinking fluids?
A. Your MDTEC anesthesiologist requires you to stop drinking 4 hours before your procedure. Your procedure may be canceled if you have consumed food or liquids within 4 hours of your procedure. Note: If your procedure is at Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) their policy is nothing by mouth after midnight, or nothing by mouth 8 hours before your procedure, if it is scheduled for the afternoon.
Q. Help! What are tips for drinking the prep?
A. If taste is the issue, try:
- Chilling the prep before drinking
- Sipping the solution through a straw
- Adding non red-colored Crystal Light (or other sugar free mix) to help with flavor If the volume of the prep is the issue, start drinking the solution earlier and at a slower pace so the entire prep can be consumed. If you are feeling nauseated or are vomiting, take a 30-60 minute break and then resume the prep. If are unable to resume or complete the entire prep, contact your physician by call 410-224-3636. If calling after hours, you may be directed to the physician on call.
Q. Can I stop drinking the prep once my stool is clear or yellow?
A. No. Many patients make the mistake of not completing the prep. Not finishing the prep can result in a dirty colon, which will inhibit the camera from getting a clear view of your colon. This will reduce the quality of your procedure.
Q. Can I still have the procedure if I am on my period?
A. Yes. Bring additional feminine supplies with you.
Q. Can I still have the test if I have a cold or fever?
A. Please call our pre-op nurse 410-224-3636 option 2, to discuss your symptoms. If you have a fever, you will need to contact us as your procedure will need to be rescheduled.
To contact our pre-op team, call 410-224-3636 Option 2.