Post-Op Instructions
Post Op Instructions of our most common procedures
Following any procedure performed at North Shore Gastroenterology, you will be provided you with post-operative instructions. Nevertheless, here are basic instructions for two of our most common procedures that can help you prepare:
Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
After the test, you will be monitored in the endoscopy area until most of the medication has worn off.
If your throat has been sprayed, do not eat or drink anything for at least one hour after your procedure. After one hour, you can start sipping water or cool liquids and having soft foods such as pudding, soup, or eggs. You can start eating other foods as soon as you feel better.
If your throat was not sprayed, you can eat and drink immediately following the procedure. Your throat may feel a little sore for up to 48 hours. If so, use cough drops or gargle with warm, salty water to relieve the discomfort.
You will need to have a driver on the day of your exam to drive you home. You are not permitted to drive due to the medication you receive.
During the first 24 hours after your procedure:
- Refrain from drinking alcohol.
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery.
- Do not take any medicines that make you drowsy such as sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping pills.
Medicines received during your procedure may affect you for up to 24 hours, making you feel tired, sleepy, or unable to concentrate. So, relax for the rest of the day. You may experience some bloating or stomach cramps due to the air used during the test, but this will diminish after a few hours.
Following your procedure, you may resume your regular diet unless you are instructed otherwise. In most circumstances, your doctor can inform you of your results the same day, however, the results of any biopsies or cytology will take several days.
You can return to your normal activities 24 hours after your procedure and you can start taking your regular medications once you get home unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. However, talk with your doctor before resuming blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medicine.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or go to your nearest emergency room:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Black or bloody stool
- Shortness of breath
- Severe chest pain
- Stomach pain
- Pain when swallowing or difficulty swallowing
Colonoscopy
After a colonoscopy, you will need to be driven home by a friend or family member since you will still be recovering from sedation. It is also recommended that you have someone with you for the first 24 hours after you leave our endoscopy center.
If you are experiencing nausea, your doctor may prescribe appropriate medication to help alleviate your symptoms.
During the first 24 hours after your procedure, you should:
- Resume normal diet, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery.
- Take any pain medications or stool softeners that have been prescribed by your doctor.
- Drink plenty of liquids.
- Avoid consuming alcohol.
- Rest.
- Avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting.
After 24 hours, you can resume normal activities and eating habits. However, if polyps were removed during your procedure, you will need to change your activities for the next several days. Avoid running, heavy lifting, and unnecessary travel.
Complications rarely arise after a colonoscopy, but call your doctor immediately or go to your nearest emergency room if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Difficulty urinating or moving your bowels
- Stools that are black or bloody
- Difficulty breathing
- Blood or bile in vomit
- Abdominal tenderness