To do a satisfactory examination, you must have an empty stomach. The best results have been obtained by following these instructions:

IMPORTANT - 1 WEEK PRIOR TO PROCEDURE:

1. DO NOT TAKE COUMADIN FOR 5 DAYS PRIOR TO PROCEDURE OR AS DIRECTED BY PHYSICIAN.
2. DO NOT TAKE ANY OF THESE MEDICATIONS IF YOU ARE HAVING A DILATION, DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING FOOD OR CHOKING: Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Naprosyn, Aleve and Plavix or any non-steroidal anti-inflamatory medications.  Please read the ingredients carefully.
3. Stop any Carafate or liquid antacids 2 days prior to your examination
4. Continue to take all other prescribed medications as usual. Celebrex and Tylenol are ok to continue.

DAY OF EXAM

1. DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING 8 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR EXAM! Do not take any pills (unless instructed by your physician), or antacids the morning of the procedure.
2. The study takes approximately 20-30 minutes. A sedative is used for this examination, so you will sleep for about 30 minutes afterwards. Because of the sedation you must bring someone with you to drive. The exam will be cancelled if there is no one to drive you home.  Do not plan on working or driving the remainder of the day.
3. If you are a diabetic or have any lung, heart, kidney or liver disease, please notify the nurse. If you are diabetic do not take your insulin the morning of your examination. Please bring your insulin with you so you can take it after the procedure if needed. If you have asthma, please bring your inhaler.

If you have any questions, please call the nurse at 787-0270

Pricing for this procedure is variable depending upon what the physician finds and feels is necessary at the time. This makes giving an exact price for the procedure difficult. If you need a price for any reason we can provide an estimate.

You will be receiving two statements for the procedure, and possibly three if biopsies are taken. The first statement is from NORTHERN UTAH GASTROENTEROLOGY AND ENDOSCOPY SPECIALIST and is for the physician’s services. The second statement is from NORTHERN UTAH ENDOSCOPY CENTER or LOGAN REGIONAL HOSPITAL and covers supplies, equipment, room charge, nursing, and technician services. If it is necessary to do biopsies during the procedure this will create a third statement. The third statement would be from the pathologist for the preparation of the biopsy and the interpretation of the slides. We appreciate your understanding and support

Post Endoscopy Guidelines

Do not eat until you are fully alert and awake. When alert and awake, sip a small amount of water. If you can swallow without choking in any way, you may resume your normal diet.

After esophageal dilation, you should eat softer foods for one to two days and avoid citrus or spicy foods.

If you begin to have severe chest or abdominal pain or vomiting blood, you should notify your physician immediately.

After sedating medications you should not drive for the remainder of that day. You should also refrain from the use of power tools, standing on ladders, signing legal contracts, or doing anything that might injure you or someone else.

You may return to work the next day following the procedure.

Because you are medicated you will not remember the findings or the guidelines given by the physician. The directions and findings will be reviewed with the person you have arranged to drive you home. If you still have questions regarding either the treatment or findings, you should call and review this with the nurse or the physician.

You may notice a scratchy throat or increased gas and bloating after the procedure. These are common. The sore throat usually resolves within a few days, and minor relief may be enjoyed by use of Chloraseptic spray or various throat lozenges. Burping or passing gas should rapidly resolve increased gaseous discomfort.

If you have tissue removed (biopsy or polypectomy), you should be notified by the physician's office within about one week. If it has been longer than one week without any notification, please contact the doctor's office to get the report.

Certain conditions will require follow up to assure your health and safety. Please maintain proper follow up as outlined. Notify the physician's office sooner if there are other problems or concerns.