Procedures
If you are having your procedure at the East Bay Endosurgery Center please see below for the appropriate instructions. If you are having your procedure at Summit Medical Center or Alta Bates Medical Center, please contact our office for further instructions as there are some specific differences than at our out-patient facility.
Upper Endoscopy
Please click here if your upper endoscopy.
Colonoscopy
Please click here is your colonoscopy is scheduled between 8am and 10am
Please click here is your colonoscopy is scheduled after 10am.
Locations for Procedures
Our doctors perform procedures at East Bay Endosurgery Center in Oakland, Summit Medical Center in Oakland, and Alta Bates Medical Center in Berkeley. Your procedure location and time of arrival is on your instruction sheet. Please contact us if you have any questions.
- Directions to East Bay Endosurgery Center
- Directions to the Alta Bates Campus
- Directions to the Summit Campus
FAQ for Out-Patient Procedures
- How long will the procedure take?
- Is there any preparation for the upper endoscopy (EGD)?
- When do I begin my laxative for the colonoscopy/flexible sigmoidoscopy?
- What will the laxative medications do?
- How soon will the medication start working?
- Can I eat while taking my laxative?
- If I have pain or a headache, what medication can I take?
- Can I eat or drink anything the morning of the test?
- Can I take my regular medication the morning of the test?
- Do I need a ride home?
- Can I return to work after my procedure?
- When can I drive?
- When may I begin taking aspirin/Coumadin(warfarin)/plavix again after my procedure?
- How can I find out the cost of my procedure?
1.How long will the procedure take?
- At East Bay Endosurgery: The procedure will take 20-30 minutes, but you will be at the center for a total of 2 hours.
- At Summit or Alta Bates Medical Center: The procedure will take 20-30 minutes, but you will be at the hospital for a total of 3 hours.
2. Is there any preparation for the upper endoscopy (EGD)?
- There is no prep for an upper endoscopy.
- If your exam is at Summit or Alta Bates Medical Center you can not eat or drink after midnight the night before your exam.
- If your exam is at the East Bay Endosurgery Center you can have clear liquids only up to 2 hours before the exam.
3. When do I begin my laxative for the colonoscopy/flexible sigmoidoscopy?
- Times and dates of when you are scheduled for your procedure as well as when you begin you laxatives are written on the material that was provided to you. Please read over the material in detail and if you require further assistance, please call the number given on your instruction sheet.
4. What will the laxative medications do?
- Trilytely, Golytely, and dulcolax (Bisacodyl) are all laxatives. They are meant to cleanse the bowel. Please make sure you are in the comfort of your home once you begin taking the medications as they will cause diarrhea.
5. How soon will the medication start working?
- This varies with everyone, but typically within 2-3 hours. If you do not have a bowel movement 3-4 hours after taking the laxative, please contact the office to speak with your physician.
6. Can I eat while taking my laxative?
- You are only allowed a CLEAR LIQUID diet. This includes water, juices (no pulp), coffee, tea, jello/gelatin, broth, sorbet, etc. Absolutely NO solid food as this defeats the purpose of the bowel prep and will interfere with you exam the following day.
7. If I have pain or a headache, what medication can I take?
- You may take Tylenol. Please do not take aspirin or ibuprofen unless specifically discussed with your physician.
8. Can I eat or drink anything the morning of the test?
- If your exam is at Summit or Alta Bates Medical Center you can not eat or drink after midnight the night before your exam.
- If your exam is at the East Bay Endosurgery Center you can have clear liquids only up to 2 hours before the exam.
9. Can I take my regular medication the morning of the test?
- You may take your high blood pressure medication with a small sip of water.
10. Do I need a ride home?
- YES. You must have a ride home. If you are taking a taxi cab home you must have someone over the age of 18 accompany you and the driver. If you do not have a ride home the test will NOT be performed.
11. Can I return to work after my procedure?
- You will be given a sedative for the procedure. It is highly recommended that you go home to rest as the sedative can take up to 6 hours to wear off.
12. When can I drive?
- You may drive 24hours after your procedure as you will be under the influence of a sedative that will compromise your ability to drive.
13. When may I begin taking aspirin/Coumadin(warfarin)/plavix again after my procedure?
- This information will be provided to you on your discharge forms after the procedure. The timing will vary depending on whether you have had biopsies or polyps removed.
14. How can I find out the cost of my procedure?
- If you are inquiring about the facility fee:
For East Bay Endosurgery Center contact Diane at (510) 893-1600
For Summit or Alta Bates Medical Center contact the financial department at (510) 655-4000
- If you are inquiring about the provider fee call (510)763-3332
