About Your Procedure
Click on the Frequently Asked Questions below to learn about your procedure.
The questions below may help you for before, during, and after your procedure.
Before Procedure
What to expect before your day of procedure.
What tests are required prior to my procedure?
Any pre-operative tests will be determined by your GI physician and communicated to you prior to the date of your procedure. When you arrive at Texas Endoscopy if you are of child bearing age regardless of Tubal Ligation or Ablation you will be required to have a urine pregnancy test prior to your procedure at no cost to you. The procedure, anesthesia and medications may be harmful to a developing baby.
Will I be contacted prior to my procedure by the facility?
Yes. You will receive text messages and emails at 7, 5, and 3 days prior to your procedure from HST Pathways® for your medical history and Clear-wave® regarding your insurance and any payments that maybe required. You may be contacted a few days prior to your procedure by a member of your health care team if additional information if needed. This call includes a routine health assessment, instructions for the day of your procedure, and answers to any questions you may have. You may also be contacted by someone in the facility’s business office to address financial matters, such as your responsibility for co-payments and deductibles.
What should I bring?
- Please bring a photo identification and your insurance card(s). Our staff will need to verify and make copies when you check-in on the day of your procedure.
- If you use a recue metered dose inhaler please bring that medication with you.
- Please bring a list of all drugs you are currently taking if you did not fill out your medical history (DO NOT BRING YOUR MEDICATIONS WITH YOU).
- Please bring payment of any patient responsibility (e.g. co-payment or deductible). REMINDER WE DO NOT ACCEPT CASH
- Please do not bring jewelry (rings, watches, or other valuables), bring only your phone.
Should I arrange a ride to the facility?
Yes.
Should I follow any eating or drinking restrictions?
Your GI physician’s office will inform you of eating and drinking restrictions and bowel prep prior to the procedure. It is very important that you follow the provided instructions. If you do not, your procedure may be delayed or canceled. DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN YOUR MOUTH 4 –FOUR HOURS PRIOR TO PROCEDURE, NOT EVEN WATER.
Should I take my routine medications on the day of procedure?
You will be given instructions regarding medications by your GI-physician’s or their staff member. Also, as noted above, please be prepared to list all medications (including name, dose and last taken dose) you are taking and to bring) your rescue metered dose inhaler.
What can I do to help ensure that I have the proper procedure?
Your safety is our primary concern. Your entire health care team will follow rigorous guidelines regarding procedure confirmation. National Patient Safety Goals have been developed which require your involvement too. You will be asked numerous times to confirm the procedure you are having. You should take a very active role in all discussions with your physician, your anesthesia provider and our staff regarding the identification of your procedure.
What if I think I might be pregnant?
Please be sure to notify your GI-physician’s office prior to the date of surgery if you think you may be pregnant. When you arrive at Texas Endoscopy if you are of child bearing age regardless of Tubal Ligation or Ablation you will be required to have a urine pregnancy test prior to your procedure at no cost to you. The procedure, anesthesia and medications may be harmful to a developing baby.
Day of Procedure
What will happen when I first arrive at the facility?
When you arrive at the facility, you will be checked-in by a member of our staff. The admission process is usually very quick as we have obtained most of your information prior to your arrival. This final check allows us to verify all of your key information so we can better serve you.
What should I wear?
For your comfort, we encourage you to wear clothing that can be easily removed and stored. Please avoid wearing any jewelry, piercings, and leave contact lenses at home or bring your lens case with you. You may bring your cell phone to keep in touch with your family members if needed.
What should I do with my clothes and additional belongings?
A nurse will escort you into the pre-procedure area, where you will change your clothes. Your belongings will be safely stored until you are ready to go home. We recommend that you leave all valuables and additional accessories at home.
What happens after I check-in?
A nurse will conduct a pre-procedure assessment that will include taking your vital signs and starting an IV if it is required for your procedure. The anesthesia provider will also speak with you in the pre-procedure area to review all pre-operative information, discuss your anesthesia, and provide you with informed consent for your anesthesia. Your GI physician will also speak with you in the pre-operative area to review all pre-operative information, discuss any needs or concerns, and provide informed consent for your procedure. Our staff will inform your family and friends of your progress via text message or email. We understand the anxiety family and friends will have while you are having your procedure. We will make every effort to keep them informed of your progress and when they will be able to re-join you after the procedure.
What can I do to help ensure that I have the proper procedure?
Your safety is our primary concern. Your entire healthcare team will follow rigorous guidelines regarding procedure confirmation. National Patient Safety Goals have been developed, and you are required to be involved too. You will be asked numerous times to confirm the procedure you are having. You should take a very active role in all discussions with your physician, your anesthesia provider, and our staff regarding the identification of your procedure.
Will I see my physician prior to procedure?
Yes. The nature of your procedures will require that you and your physician confirm both the specific type of procedure you are having.
How long can my family stay with me prior to my procedure?
This will depend upon a number of factors. However, we believe that familiar faces can assist in reducing your anxiety about the procedure, so please do not hesitate to inform the nurse that you would like a friend or family member to sit with you.
When should I arrive?
You will receive instructions regarding arrival time usually one hour prior to your procedure unless otherwise informed. It is important that you arrive at the designated time. You may receive a call to move your procedure the day prior to your procedure or the morning of.
What if I think I might be pregnant?
Please be sure to notify your GI physician’s office prior to the date of surgery if you think you may be pregnant. When you arrive at Texas Endoscopy if you are of childbearing age regardless of Tubal Ligation or Ablation you will be required to have a urine pregnancy test prior to your procedure at no cost to you. The procedure, anesthesia, and medications may be harmful to a developing baby.
Can I smoke?
No. We advise against smoking on the day of your procedure. Smoking may interfere with the anesthesia and frequently produces nausea during the recovery period.
Anesthesia
Are there different kinds of sedation or anesthesia?
Yes. There are only two different categories of sedation and anesthesia used at the endoscopy center: general anesthesia and moderate sedation. Propofol (general anesthesia) is preferred and used most often. On rare occasion, moderate sedation (aka Twilight) is used when a patient is allergic or hypersensitive to Propofol. Regardless of the type of sedation or anesthesia that you receive, special anesthetic agents and techniques are used to provide a safe and speedy recovery. Your physician or anesthesia provider will discuss them with you before procedure.
May I request the type of anesthesia I will receive?
Depending on the type of surgery, there may be anesthetic options. Your physician or anesthesia provider will discuss available options with you after reviewing your medical history.
Will I receive any sedatives before procedure?
Together, you, your surgeon and your anesthesia provider will develop an anesthetic care plan. This plan may include preoperative sedation and other medications if necessary.
What are the risks of anesthesia?
All procedures and all anesthetics have risks. These risks are dependent upon many factors, including the type of procedure and the medical condition of the patient. Your anesthesia provider will assess you pre-procedure and every precaution will be taken to minimize your risk. We occasionally see minor symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, sore throat, dizziness, tiredness, headache, muscle aches and pain, most of which are easily treated. Please feel free to discuss any questions with your anesthesia provider.
Will I be billed separately by the anesthesia provider?
Yes. You will receive a separate bill from your anesthesia provider if anesthesia was administered.
Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to procedure?
It is important to refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to your procedure in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents (complications related to vomiting) during your procedure. This complication may be severe. Specific instructions based on national safety standards will be provided to you prior to your procedure. It is very important that you follow the provided instructions. If you do not, your procedure may be delayed or canceled. You should not have anything in your mouth, even water, 4-four hours prior to your procedure.
After Procedure
What will happen if I am not able to go home?
Admissions to a hospital from a surgery center happen occasionally. In certain circumstances, your physician or anesthesia provider may determine that you need to be transferred to a hospital for additional post-procedure care.
What if I am not feeling well once I get home?
If you are in serious pain or exhibit warning symptoms described in your discharge instructions, please call your GI physician, go to the nearest emergency room, or call 911.
What can I eat when I get home?
Your surgeon may have specific recommendations for your post-procedure diet. We generally suggest that you eat lightly after your procedure, and strongly encourage you to drink plenty of fluids. You should avoid alcoholic beverages.
How will my pain be managed?
The management of your pain is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission through your post-procedure period. During your stay at the facility, you will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain using a numerical pain scale (1-10). On rare occasions, the use of intravenous medications may be indicated. Prior to the procedure, the management of your pain should be discussed with both your anesthesia provider and GI physician. Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have. Remember that information on pain management gives you the appropriate expectations and, hence, a smoother, more comfortable recovery. It is important to follow instructions regarding your post-procedure pain medication closely. Many pain medications take 20 to 30 minutes to begin to work. For best results, the pain medication should be taken before the pain becomes too strong.
Can my family be with me after procedure?
May I drive home?
No. Patients will not be allowed to drive after a procedure and must make necessary transportation arrangements. If you plan to walk or take public transportation from our facility after a procedure, please make sure you are accompanied by a responsible adult.
Should I continue my usual medications after procedure?
Most patients should continue their usual medications after their procedure. Patients who have diabetes and those patients on blood thinners may require some adjustment of their medications. These instructions will be clarified with you before you leave the facility. If you have any questions, please call your GI physician, primary care physician or specialist.
