What can I expect?

• When you schedule your procedure one of our friendly office staff will review some questions that will help us plan your visit. You will be mailed complete instructions and required paperwork for your review. Should you have any questions regarding these instructions please call our office.
• For your safety, you must have a responsible adult escort you from the office and accompany you home after receiving anesthesia.  The nurse and your escort will discuss an appropriate time frame for your discharge before the procedure begins.
• Both colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy require the bowel be cleansed prior to the procedure. You will receive specific instructions regarding this preparation. It is important that you carefully adhere to these instructions in order for your procedure to be performed successfully.
• When you check-in the day of your procedure, please bring a photo ID, your insurance card, and any insurance authorizations. You will be asked to verify that all your personal information is correct. You and your escort will then be seated in the waiting area.
• An RN will take you to an interview room to review your medical history. For accuracy and efficiency, please be sure to bring your completed medical history form (available by mail or on this site: WSEC Patient History Form). Your escort and the nurse will discuss your safe transportation home. You will return to the waiting area.
• Your escort may wait in the waiting room when you are taken to the procedure area. We will provide for your safety, security, and comfort by placing you in a private bay where you will get undressed and keep your belongings.
• A member of the clinical staff will take your blood pressure and help you prepare for the procedure. An anesthesia professional will review your history and discuss the anesthesia experience, to ensure for your comfort and safety.  Your anesthesia provider will place an intravenous catheter for administering the anesthetic.
• Your physician will visit with you prior to your procedure and review your history, plan your care, and answer any questions you may have.
• You will be wheeled to the procedure room on your stretcher bed. There is a technician and a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist in the procedure room to assist the physician.

• When your procedure is complete, you will be wheeled back to your recovery bay where you will be monitored by our nursing staff in order to ensure a comfortable, safe recovery.
• Once you have awakened, your physician will review the findings and discuss your plan of care. You will receive a copy of your report for your personal files.
• You will leave the endoscopy suite with your accompanying adult escort.

Within the next few days a member of our staff will call you to see how you are feeling. Of course, feel free to call us any time should you have any questions.