Endoscopy is the visual examination of the upper intestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum and biliary tract), the lower intestinal tract (colon, sigmoid, rectum) and the lungs. The Endoscopy Lab is staffed by specially-trained nurses and physicians who are prepared, day and night, to respond to all conditions, from diagnostics to life-threatening emergencies. It is located in the Outpatient Services Department.

Scheduling your Endoscopy Procedure
Patients are scheduled for the procedure by their physician's office who contacts the hospital's Endoscopy Health Unit Coordinator. The "HUC" calls the patient to schedule their procedure visit. With this call, they will obtain pertinent information regarding health status, previous procedures, medications including herbal supplements the patient takes and discuss any special instructions for the day of the procedure. Because medications will be given that will make you drowsy, you are required to bring someone with you that can drive you home.

How the Procedure Works
The endoscopy procedure lasts about 15-20 minutes and is performed by a gastroenterologist or a general surgeon. Prior to the procedure a sedative is administered intravenously (through the vein), patients feel drowsly and relaxed. During the procedure, a physician uses an endoscope - a long, thin flexible tube, which can be easily passed into the digestive tract. This flexible tube has a light and camera which produces a color image of the inside of the digestive tract.

What to Expect after Your Procedure
When you leave the hospital, you should expect to be awake enough to go home, but plan to continue resting at home. The Endoscopy Unit and emergency telephone numbers are provided to patients with their discharge instruction sheets. Post procedure teaching and home instructions are given with each patient's needs in mind. Your doctor will specify any follow-up care you may need.

Expect a "We Care" follow-up phone call one to two days after the procedure. The purpose of this call is to ensure your recovery went well and to give you an opportunity to discuss any concerns. If your procedure is on a Friday, you may be called on Monday.

Endoscopy lab is located here.