An endoscope is a long, thin and flexible optical tube with micro cameras. This tool is used by the gastroenterologist (a doctor who specializes in treating diseases that affect the digestive system) to be able to do more precise tests, using a procedure called endoscopy. If you've been given an appointment to perform one, this article will help you find out how to prepare. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare Several Weeks Before Endoscopy
Step 1. Follow a low-fat diet
It is better for you to have a diet of this type in the days and weeks before the exam, but it is still ideal to keep it in general. In fact, by reducing the ingestion of fatty foods, you lower the chances of getting prostate, colorectal or breast cancer. In particular, you should avoid eating butter, various dips, and processed foods. Try to consume less than 40g of fat per day. Here are some examples of foods that contain few of them:
Baked, steamed or grilled foods, low-fat or free milk and derivatives, light salad dressings and lean meat
Step 2. Follow a low-fiber diet
Foods that are rich in it can cause gas, bloating and cramps. They can also promote different bowel movements, cause tension in the abdominal area, and burden the colon. You will experience swelling and cramps following the procedure, so it is best to try to reduce these symptoms as much as possible before getting tested. To prevent them from occurring during or after the process, you should reduce the amount of fiber you absorb each day before doing so. Try to limit yourself to 12g per day. Here are some high-fiber foods:
Canned fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, poultry, potato skins and whole grains
Step 3. Stop smoking
Cigarettes contain nicotine, a substance that constricts blood vessels, making endoscopy more difficult (if not impossible). For this, you should stop several weeks before the procedure.
Step 4. Follow your doctor's recommendations regarding the medications you usually take
At your pre-procedure appointment, she will tell you which medications you need to stop taking. Generally, you will be asked to avoid blood thinners (such as Warfarin, Heparin, Coumadin, and Plavix) several days before the procedure. This is because drugs that thin the blood can increase bleeding during endoscopy, especially if the doctor will also perform restorative procedures.
- The intake of aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Motrin, Advil and Naprosyn, should be stopped five days before the procedure.
- Talk to your doctor about other medications you are taking if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other chronic conditions.
Method 2 of 3: Prepare for Endoscopy Day
Step 1. Do not eat or drink before endoscopy
You should stop doing this completely (i.e. you should fast) for at least eight hours before the procedure (your doctor will tell you the exact time). This is because any type of food or drink present in the stomach or intestines will complicate the examination with the endoscope. Since the point of this procedure is to examine the organs, you will have to fast, however annoying it is.
- If the appointment is made before noon, stop eating before midnight the previous day.
- If your appointment is made after noon, you can eat low-fat, low-fiber foods eight hours before the procedure, but you can't after that.
Step 2. Dress comfortably
Endoscopy can cause discomfort and unpleasant sensations. Consequently, it is best to wear comfortable clothing. This means that you should choose loose, soft clothing that will make you feel comfortable and will not interfere with the procedure. You should also avoid jewelry, as it must be removed before the procedure.
Glasses and dentures must also be removed before the procedure
Step 3. Ask someone to drive you home
The procedure should last 10-20 minutes, no more. When you have an endoscopy, your doctor will give you a sedative to help you relax and feel comfortable. This medicine can make you feel sleepy and confused, as if your mental faculties are not working as they should. Therefore, it may be dangerous to drive after the procedure. Ask a family member or friend to come and pick you up once you're done.
Some medical facilities actually refuse to perform the procedure until it is confirmed that someone will pick up the patient and take him home
Step 4. The next day you should avoid going to school or work
The sedative your doctor will give you before the procedure will make you feel confused for quite a while. In particular, these drugs can adversely affect mental functions, which means that it will be difficult for you to make decisions. Specialists generally recommend taking 24 hours off the sedative, so plan not to go to school or the office the next day.
Step 5. In some cases they ask you to fill out several forms before the endoscopy, including a release form
Your doctor may give them to you earlier, so that you can do it at home. If so, be sure to complete them and bring them with you on the day of the procedure.
Once completed, put them in a folder or in an easily accessible compartment of your purse or briefcase. This way, you will feel less anxious on the day of the procedure and will know exactly where they are, without having to rummage
Step 6. Discuss any medical complaints with your specialist
Your gastroenterologist probably already knows about this. In any case, it is always good to talk about it more than once, especially if the doctor who will perform the endoscopy is not the one you always turn to. In particular, he must receive the following information (whether he has seen you before or not):
- If you are pregnant, if you have had any health problems recently, if you have received radiation treatments and what surgeries you have had in the past.
- The doctor who will perform the endoscopy must also have the complete list of all the medications you take.
Method 3 of 3: Understanding the Steps of the Procedure
Step 1. Talk to your doctor and nurse before endoscopy
Sometimes it is preferable that they re-explain the exact procedure to you. Don't hesitate to ask him detailed questions, and expose your doubts. The following steps will allow you to get an idea of what happens during the procedure.
Step 2. You will be given local anesthesia and given a mouthpiece
Anesthesia is done in the throat using a spray, or you will need to drink a liquid that will allow you to gargle. This will numb the area and prevent the endoscope from triggering the pharyngeal reflex. A specific mouthpiece will be inserted into the mouth to keep it open during the procedure.
Once the anesthesia is done and the mouthpiece is introduced, you will be asked to lie down on your left side
Step 3. An intravenous line (often called IV) will likely be inserted into one of your veins on the back of your hand using a needle
IV allows the sedative to flow through your body; in addition, the nurse will have immediate access to a vein in case of an allergic reaction.
Other intravenous drugs may also be given
Step 4. Your vital signs will be monitored
During the procedure, a nurse will constantly monitor them. Your blood pressure, body temperature and oxygen levels will be measured before, during and after the procedure to make sure you are not experiencing any adverse reactions.
Step 5. The procedure will begin after the endoscope is inserted
What happens in the course of the process and the time it takes (usually 10-20 minutes) will depend on the reason you undergo such a study. The doctor will use the endoscope to examine the internal organs.
Step 6. You won't be able to leave right away
After the procedure is complete, you will need to remain in the place where it was made for about an hour so that the nurse can make sure that you are okay and that your vital signs are in place.
Step 7. You will probably feel a little confused at the end of the process
You will have a slight feeling of numbness due to the sedative that was given to you before the endoscopy. As if that's not enough, you may experience swelling, cramps and a sore throat. All of this will disappear within 24 hours.
Step 8. Wait for the indicated time to arrive before eating
Your doctor will tell you how many hours it will take before you can ingest food. This wait will vary based on what happened during the process.
