So you're having a Procedure?

Each procedure is different. Your doctor can tell you approximately how long you will need to be at the office and how long the procedure will take. Some procedures can be very short (only 5 to 10 minutes), but you might need to stay with us for over an hour. Sometimes this is because we need time to get you ready for the procedure but more often it is because we want to make sure you have recovered from the procedure and will feel well when you go home.

Other Procedures Available:

Hemorrhoid Banding:

For hemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments, your doctor may suggest banding. During banding, the doctor places a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. This cuts off the blood supply. No special preparation is needed for this procedure.

Fecal Transplant:

Healthy digestion is dependent on having enough good bacteria in our intestine. While most people can keep the good bacteria at the level it needs to be either through their diet (eating yogurt with active cultures, for example) or through taking a daily probiotic, some, due to repeated illnesses and/or repeated doses of antibiotics are unable to maintain healthy levels of good bacteria. In this case, a fecal transplant, also known as bacteriotherapy can help. This procedure is among the oldest in the field of gastroenterology. The preparation and recovery is similar to that for a colonoscopy however your physician will go over the details of the actual procedure.

Ph Breath Test:

A simple, in office procedure.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

This is an examination of the lower part of the colon. The preparation for this procedure is similar to that of a colonoscopy, however since only the lower portion of the colon is examined, you are able to remain awake for the procedure and your recovery time is shorter. 

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

An ERCP allows your doctor to examine the ducts leading to your gall bladder and pancreas. Gallstones can be diagnosed with an ERCP. An ERCP can take 30 minutes to an hour and is similar to an Upper Endoscopy in preparation however once the doctor reaches where the bile ducts drain into the the duodenum you must be repositioned so that an x-ray can be taken.  Gallstones, if found, may also be removed during the ERCP.

Capsule Endoscopy

Similar to an Upper Endoscopy, however this procedure allows your doctor to view your entire small intestine. Your preparation and experience will be similar to that of someone having an upper endoscopy.

Preparing for Your Procedure:

You may be asked not to eat for 6 to 12 hours before your procedure. We know this is hard. In most cases you will be able to eat something in recovery. We have beverages and light snacks available. 

We may also ask that you take something to clean out your system before we see you. Again, we know this is not enjoyable but it does help your doctor to get a really good look and makes it less likely that you would need to repeat the procedure in the near future.

Aftercare:

Your doctor will recommend how long you need to rest following the procedure and whether you will need someone to drive you home. Immediately after the procedure, when you are awake, your doctor will talk with you about how the procedure went and when any results will be back in. Depending on the type of tests being done, your doctor may want to see you in the office for followup or simply may be able to give you your results over the phone.