Preparing for an Endoscopy Procedure

Welcome to the Endoscopy Department of Mad River Community Hospital. We know that an endoscopy procedure can be a stressful event for both the patient and family.  It is our hope the care you receive from our nursing staff exceeds your expectations.

The Day(s) Before Your Procedure

1. Please follow the dietary restrictions given to you by your physician.
2. If you are having a colonoscopy, make sure to complete the bowel prep. It is extremely important to complete this prep. Without a clean bowel your colon cannot be examined adequately.
3. Please be sure to drink plenty of water while taking the colonoscopy prep to avoid dehydration.
4. Please pre-register with our admitting office.
5. Make sure you have any lab test(s) drawn that may have been ordered by your physician at least one day prior to you endoscopy.

The Night Before Your Procedure

1. Please do not eat or drink anything after midnight, unless another time is specified by your physician. 
2. This includes water, coffee and tea.

The Day of Your Procedure

1. Your physician may instruct you to take some of your medications the morning of your procedure.  If you have questions, please call the Endoscopy Suite at 825-4960 or your physician.
2. Report to Mad River Endoscopy Suite on the second floor of the Shaw Medical Pavilion, located in front of the main hospital building.
3. Please arrive 1 hour before your scheduled procedure time or as your physician has instructed.

You Must Have a Ride Home

1. An intravenous line will be started and you will be given narcotics and sedatives that may stay in your system up to 12 hours.
2. Plan on not driving for at least 24 hours.

Waiting Areas

1. The Endoscopy waiting areas are limited.  One person at the bedside can be accommodated.  Other guests are welcome to wait in the main lobby.
2. It is important to have a family member available immediately following the procedure for the physician to talk with about your procedure.

Procedure Times

1. Every effort is made to assure that you have your test at the time you expect, however, there can be unavoidable delays caused by emergencies or other factors.
2. If your Endoscopy procedure is delayed, please be patient and understand that the entire Endoscopy team is working to get your procedure on schedule.