Endoscopy Surgery Center

Endoscopy Surgery Center

How to Preare for the Test

Ask your health care provider if you need to do anything to prepare for your endoscopy. You may be asked not to eat or drink before most types of endoscopy. Before an examination of the lower gastrointestinal tract, you may be asked to use enemas or laxatives to clear out the large intestine.

How the Test Will Feel

You may be given medicine to help you relax and possibly fall asleep. This is called sedation. With the right sedation, you should have little, if any, discomfort.

Sedation is usually not given to people having an endoscopic ultrasound of the rectum. The endoscope will make you feel like you need to move the bowels (pass stool), but it should not cause any pain.

Why the Test is Performed

There are many different reasons to perform an endoscopy. For example, your doctor may order an endoscope if you have bleeding, pain, difficulty swallowing, and a change in bowel habits. Colonoscopy can also be done to screen for colon polyps and colon cancer.

For more information on a specific prodedure, select the specific type:

• Anoscopy
• Bronchoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Cystoscopy
• EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy)
• Enteroscopy
• Laparoscopy
• Sigmoidoscopy