The following section provides information about preparing for procedures provided by our interventional endoscopists and what to expect on the day of your procedure.
- Capsule endoscopy (PillCam™)
- Colonoscopy
- Interventional endoscopy procedures
For capsule endoscopy questions, please call 310-825-7540.
For all other procedures, please call 310-267-3636.
Preparing for your capsule endoscopy (PillCam™)
- In order for our team to perform the best test possible, following your preparation instructions is critical.
- Please download and review your test preparation instructions at least 2 weeks before your appointment.
- If you DO NOT follow the directions as instructed, your test may need to be rescheduled.
- Prep instructions: English | Español
- Questions: Call 310-825-7540
- Location of test: 100 UCLA Medical Plaza #205, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Preparing for your colonoscopy and other interventional endoscopy procedures
- Generally, you will need to take no food or drinks by mouth from midnight the night before your procedure, unless specifically instructed otherwise by our interventional endoscopy team. For afternoon procedures, you may have small amounts of clear liquids until 4 hours prior to your procedure.
- If you have to take morning medications, please do so only with sips of a clear liquid.
- Some procedures (including colonoscopy and some sigmoidoscopies) may also require you to take a bowel cleanser the day prior to your procedure.
- Detailed colonoscopy prep options and instructions
- Our team may ask that you discontinue certain medications (such as some blood thinners) prior to your procedure, but please discuss these requests with your prescribing and/or primary physicians to ensure it is safe to do so.
- If you have any questions regarding an appropriate diet, bowel preparation, or your medications, please contact us at 310-267-3636 and we will be happy to assist you.
What to expect on the day of your colonoscopy and other interventional endoscopy procedures
- Please plan to arrive between 1 to 2 hours prior to your procedure (the exact timing will be determined by the location of your procedure).
- Be sure you have arranged appropriate transportation as you will not be able to drive yourself home after the procedure
- You must arrange for someone to accompany you home the day of your procedure. You may use public transportation (taxi, bus or rideshare), but only if you have an adult chaperone who can escort you home.
- When you arrive to your appointment, you will check in at admissions. Our staff will ensure you have appropriate transportation.
- Prior to the procedure, you will be asked to change into a gown. A nurse will place an I.V., which will be used to administer a sedating medication during the procedure. A nurse will also review your current medications and medical conditions. To help this process, please bring an up to date list of your medications.
- You will speak with both the gastroenterologist and someone from the anesthesia team prior to the procedure. They will explain the procedure and sedation plan, explain any risks involved, and answer any final questions you may have before you are asked to sign the consent forms.
- Most patients will receive a type of anesthesia referred to as monitored anesthesia care (MAC) or general anesthesia. You can learn more about MAC anesthesia by watching this video.
- When the procedure room is clean and ready, you will be wheeled over on your gurney to the procedure room. As a reminder, most patients recall feeling minimal to no pain or discomfort during the procedure.
- After the procedure, you will be observed in a recovery area until the effects of the anesthesia wear off. In most cases, the person who has accompanied you can meet you in the recovery area at this time.
- Before leaving, you will speak with the gastroenterologist about the procedure. If any biopsies or other tissue specimens were obtained, they will be sent to the lab for further analysis and you will receive the results in approximately 1-2 weeks with follow-up recommendations. You can call 310-267-3636 if you have not received your results in that time frame.
