Gastroscopy/Dilation Instructions

Overview

1. On the day before your test, please eat a light supper.
2. AFTER YOUR LIGHT SUPPER YOU MAY ONLY DRINK CLEAR LIQUIDS. You may drink clear liquids until four (4) hours before your procedure arrival time. You may brush your teeth.
3. You must bring someone to drive you home, because you will be given sedation for the test. If you do not bring a driver, your test will not be done. The person driving you home should be available with you upon discharge so they can help you remember what is discussed with the doctor.
4. Medication instructions:
   1. Insulin or diabetic medications should not be taken the morning of your test. You may resume taking your medications after you are able to eat.
   2. Heart or blood pressure medications should be taken the morning of the test as regularly scheduled with a small amount of water.
   3. If you are on Coumadin, discuss this with the nurse or doctor. You will be told if you need to have lab work drawn prior to the procedure and whether you need to adjust or stop this medication.
5. You can expect to be here for about 2 to 3 hours.
6. During your procedure, specimens (biopsies, Clo tests, or stool samples) may be taken. These specimens are sent to an outside pathologist, hospital, or lab for processing. If specimens are taken and sent for processing, you will be sent a separate bill for these services from the respective pathologist, hospital, or lab. Please let us know if your insurance company requires you to use a certain pathology doctor, hospital, or lab. We will ask you for this information. A call to your insurance carrier will give you the most current information.

BRING YOUR CURRENT MEDICATIONS OR A LIST WITH YOU ON THE DAY OF YOUR TEST.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS, PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE AND ASK FOR A NURSE.

IF YOU CANNOT KEEP YOUR APPOINTMENT, PLEASE LET US KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE OR AT LEAST TWO (2) BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE PROCEDURE.

clear liquid diet

The clear liquid diet includes only foods that are clear and foods that are liquid at room temperature, such as jello gelatin.