Post Procedure
Please refer to Post Endoscopy/ Post Colonoscopy Instruction Handout given to you at the time of discharge for specific information related to your visit today. Generic post procedure information is listed below.
After your procedure it is normal to experience fatigue, forgetfulness, and decreased coordination after your exam and for a few hours once you are home. It is important to make sure you re-hydrate yourself and get enough nutrients to help your body return to normal, which can sometimes take a few days. Your Gastroenterologist normally meets with you at bedside before you are discharged and discusses any findings. Due to the anesthesia, you were given its not uncommon to forget speaking with your Gastroenterologist. All the findings are given to you on the Post Procedure Instruction Handout also for reference. If you have misplaced the handout or have any questions you may contact your Gastroenterologist office for directions and follow up information. If you have any biopsies or polyp/s removed the Gastroenterologist office will notify you with your results. Each office notifies patients differently so please contact their office if you haven’t received your results and it’s been at least 2 weeks from the date of your procedure. Normally pathology can take 7 to 10 business days to be completed.
If your Post Procedure Instructions state you were given a prescription at your exam this was sent electronically to your Pharmacy. Please contact your Pharmacy or the Gastroenterologist with any questions regarding your prescription.
Post Colonoscopy Instructions
1. You have received the following medications as part of your procedure today: – Monitored Anesthesia Care- See the Anesthesia note for documentation of the administered medications
2. DO NOT drink alcoholic beverages, drive, or operate machinery until the following day. Utilize extra caution in your physical activities today as you may experience fatigue and/or decreased coordination. If you have sleep apnea and use a CPAP or BiPAP machine, it is strongly advised that you use it tonight.
3. Air was used to inflate the colon during your procedure today. This may make you feel intermittently bloated and/or crampy. Mild symptoms are normal and should resolve in a few hours. Walking around, knee-chest position, or sitting on the toilet are techniques to aid in expelling the air and promote comfort.
4. DIET: You may resume your pre-procedure diet unless otherwise instructed.
5. Please resume aspirin within one week after the procedure unless otherwise noted by your doctor.
6. If any of the following occur, Please contact your Gastroenterologist
- i. Abdominal pain that persists, is increasing or is worse with moving around
- ii. Abdominal rigidity/hardness
- iii. Fever, chills, shakes
- iv. Passage of blood with bowel movements
7. IF YOUR SYMPTOMS BECOME SEVERE, CALL 911 OR REPORT TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.
It is normal to have constipation and or diarrhea post colonoscopy. This should return to normal within a few days after your exam. If your symptoms persist you should contact your Gastroenterologist.
Post Endoscopy Instructions
1. You have received the following medications as part of your procedure today: – Monitored Anesthesia Care- See the Anesthesia note for documentation of the administered medications
2. DO NOT drink alcoholic beverages, drive, or operate machinery until the following day. Utilize extra caution in your physical activities today as you may experience fatigue and/or decreased coordination. If you have sleep apnea and use a CPAP or BiPAP machine, it is strongly advised that you use it tonight.
3. You may experience mild throat irritation, along with belching, and/or gas due to air placed inside you during exam.
4. DIET: You may resume your pre-procedure diet unless otherwise instructed. You may have received medication as part of your anesthetic that will cause dry mouth and minimal saliva production for approximately two to six hours after your procedure. Pleas avoid dry foods and medications until the dry mouth resolves. If taking any oral medications, please take with a large amount of water.
5. MEDICATIONS POST PROCEDURE: Please refer to the patient medication record given to you after the procedure. NOTE: If your gastroenterologist has instructed you to hold any blood thinners/ antiplatelet medication, it is important to notify your prescribing physicians TODAY. Please resume aspirin within one week after the procedure unless otherwise noted by your doctor.
6. If any of the following occur, please contact your Gastroenterologist
- i. Abdominal pain that persists, is increasing or is worse with moving around
- ii. Abdominal rigidity/hardness
- iii. Fever, chills, shakes
- iv. Passage of blood with bowel movements
7. IF YOUR SYMPTOMS BECOME SEVERE, CALL 911 OR REPORT TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.