Gastroscopy
Purpose:
This procedure is performed to look at the lining of your esophagus (the tube leading to your stomach), your stomach and the first part of your intestine. The doctor will be able to look for any abnormalities which may be present. If necessary, small tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken during the examination (painlessly) for detailed laboratory analysis.
Some treatments can also be done through the endoscope. These include stretching (dilating) narrowed areas of the esophagus, removing polyps and swallowed objects, and treatment of bleeding vessels and ulcers.
Before the Procedure:
The doctor performing the procedure will tell you when to stop eating and drinking prior to the procedure. The doctor/nurse will also instruct you if any of your prescription medications are to be taken prior to the procedure. If you have not received these instructions please call the doctor’s office that is doing the procedure for these instructions.
About the Procedure:
A local anaesthetic (freezing) will be sprayed onto your throat to make it numb.
You will be given medication through an injection in your vein that will make you sleepy and relaxed. A guard will be placed in your mouth to protect your teeth.
The flexible instrument used will not interfere with your breathing nor cause any pain.
The examination takes 10 to 15 minutes.
You will remain in the Day Surgery unit after the procedure for up to one hour until the main effects of the medication wear off. One family member is welcome to sit with you during this time.
After the Procedure:
The day of your procedure you must have someone to stay with you at the hospital during the procedure so they are there to drive you home. You will not be able to drive yourself home or drive for the remainder of the day of your procedure. If you do not have a driver to bring you home your procedure will be cancelled.
Colonoscopy
Purpose:
This procedure is performed to examine the lining of your colon (large bowel). A long flexible tube (colonoscope) is passed through the rectum and a visual examination is done of the large colon. The doctor will be able to look for any abnormalities that may be present. If necessary small tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken during the examination (painlessly) and sent for laboratory analysis. Polyps (abnormal growths of tissue) can also be removed (painlessly).
Before the Procedure:
To allow for a clear view, the bowel must be completely "EMPTY".
The doctor performing the procedure will give you instructions on which laxative to use the day before the procedure.
The doctor/nurse will also instruct you if any of your prescription medications are to be taken prior to the procedure. If you have not received these instructions please call the doctor’s office that is doing the procedure for these instructions.
Procedure:
You will be positioned on your left side and given medication by injection through a vein to make you sleepy and relaxed. The doctor will pass the colonoscope through the anus and into the rectum and advance it through the colon. You may experience some abdominal cramping and pressure from the air which is introduced into your colon. You may be asked and assisted to change you position during the examination.
The examination takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes.
After the Procedure:
You will remain in the Day Surgery unit after the procedure for up to one hour until the main effects of the medication wear off. One family member is welcome to sit with you during this time.
The day of your procedure you must have someone to stay with you at the hospital during the procedure sot they are there to drive you home. You will not be able to drive yourself home or drive for the remainder of the day of your procedure. If you do not have a driver to bring you home your procedure will be cancelled.