Do I need to visit the Center before procedure date?
All patients will need an up-to-date medical history and physical form. Some may need blood tests, EKG or x-rays. These services will not be available at the Surgical Center. Your surgeon will advise where you will have this done.
Some patients may choose to come to the Center before their procedure date to complete paperwork or make payments. We strongly recommend that you complete all pre-procedure documentation before the day of procedure.
May I pre-register for my procedure?
Yes. We strongly encourage you to have completed all the registration forms before the day of procedure. We prefer that you simply walk in the day of your procedure and be shown to your room rather than fill out pages of paperwork. For your convenience, we have provided an online registration feature.
What if I cannot make my appointment?
Please notify the physician and the Corpus Christi Endoscopy Center at 361-985-9300 as early as possible if you cannot make your scheduled appointment. Early notification can help us better accommodate you and other patients.
What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing. Button-down shirts or blouses are best. Wear comfortable shoes. Leave all jewelry at home, including body-piercing jewelry. If you wear contact lenses, you will probably have to remove them for the procedure, so consider bringing your glasses. If you have to wear your contacts, please bring contact solution and contacts case. Please do not wear any make-up as this can hide certain clinical signs. Please remove all body piercings.
Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to procedure?
You refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to procedure in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents during your procedure. This complication is very serious and you need to strictly abide by your physician’s instructions. This has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after your procedure as some think.
We have very clear policies as to specific times before procedure when you must refrain from eating and/or drinking. These are all based on safety standards. Please note that the standards have been revised recently. We believe that the fasting time should be as short as possible before your procedure. You will not improve your safety by not eating or drinking longer than necessary; in fact, at times you may complicate things a bit.
Should I take my usual daily medication?
We generally request that you take your medication before leaving home. Diabetic medications will be individualized. We will usually hold diabetic medicines and manage your sugar at the Center. You should be contacted before your procedure leaving no doubts in your mind as to which medications you should take. Please bring all your medications with you.
People using inhalers must bring them to the Center on the day of procedure.
Some medications will be stopped for the procedure, particularly diabetes medication and blood thinners. You should bring these medications with you the day of procedure. Please call us with any questions you may have.
May I continue my herbal medications?
Herbal medications may have harmful effects on the procedure. Many of these remedies may effect your clotting mechanism and interfere with the anesthetic agents. (The list of drugs and their side effects are too great for this site.) We generally request that you stop these medications two weeks before the procedure. Please remember to mention these remedies when being asked about medication.
Who may accompany me?
You are welcome to bring one person with you to the Center. That person will be allowed to be in your room with you before and after your procedure.
Please refrain from bringing young children to the Center as guests.
Will I receive sedation before going into the procedure?
We will individualize each patient’s care. Pre-procedure medication is minimized.
Will I be contacted before my procedure?
Yes. We call each patient before the procedure to gather information and to helpful to us and hopefully answer any of your questions. Preoperative instructions will be given by the nurse who calls you. You can also call the Center directly with any questions.
Should I bathe and wash my hair before leaving home?
Yes. You can comfortably take a shower, bathe, brush your teeth, etc. Please do not use make up, hair spray, nail polish or toiletries. These may interfere with the anesthesia monitoring and possibly hide clinical signs from the anesthesia provider.
What should I do if I am not feeling well?
If you are not feeling well, please contact your physician immediately. During normal business hours, you can call the Center for advice. There are some surgeries which are safer if delayed when you are sick. We need to know specific details to make the decision. Please do not delay in contacting your physician or the Center.
What should I do if I started my menstrual cycle?
This will not affect procedure. Call us if you have any questions at 361-985-9300.
What should I do if I believe that I am pregnant?
It is very important for us to be aware of this possibility. If there is any doubt please contact us immediately.
May I drive home?
Any patient receiving anesthesia should not drive until the next day. A patient receiving sedation for a procedure needs a ride home. The few patients who have procedures performed without anesthesia could possibly drive home.
All patients must have a ride home that will remain with them throughout the procedure and remain with them for 24 hours when they arrive home. Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk or take public transportation after sedation or anesthesia. Please make the appropriate arrangements.
May I speak to my anesthesia provider before the procedure?
All patients will be seen by the anesthesia provider on the day of procedure prior to entering the procedure room. Sufficient time should be spent to answer any questions you may have. If you need to speak to the anesthesia provider before the day of procedure, you are welcome to call the Center and we will arrange for you speak with an anesthesia provider. We can also arrange a pre-procedure interview if you desire.
What if I have special needs?
We will make every effort to accommodate any special need you may have. We strongly encourage you to call the Surgery Center in advance so that we can properly prepare to make you comfortable. Do not hesitate to call and suggest anything that may make your day easier.
Should I bring my special needs equipment?
Yes. Please bring any walkers, post-op crutches, hearing aids, etc.
What must I bring with me on the day of my procedure?
- Bring case for eyeglasses or contacts
- Bring insurance identification cards, driver’s license, completed billing forms, copayments
- Bring all medication
- Make sure you have a ride home and someone to care for you at home
- Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing
- Leave all jewelry and valuables at home
How will my pain be managed?
The management of your pain is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our post-procedure call at home. We need to inform and prepare you for each step of the process. This education will begin with our first contact. You will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain from a numerical scale called the Visual Analog Pain Scale, the Faces Pain Scale. Using the results of our communication we will alter the therapy as needed in order to assure your comfort.
Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have. Remember that information on pain management gives you the appropriate expectations and hence a smoother, more comfortable recovery.
May I request what type of anesthesia I will receive?
Yes, in certain situations. Some procedures can be performed using a choice of different anesthetic types. Your anesthesia provider will discuss available options with you after reviewing your medical history. Your preference will be discussed so that the most appropriate anesthetic plan is made.
Will I receive any sedatives before surgery?
You and your anesthesia provider will develop an anesthetic care plan. You will not usually receive sedative in the pre-op area before going into the procedure room on the stretcher.
What are the risks of anesthesia?
All operations and all anesthetics have risks and they are dependent upon many factors including the type of procedure and the medical condition of the patient. Most patients receiving procedures in the center are of the healthier group of patients, and in these circumstances serious complications, while they can occur, are fortunately very rare.
Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to my procedure?
You refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to procedure in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents during your procedure. This complication is very serious and you need to strictly abide by our recommendations. This has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after your procedure as some think.
We have very clear policies as to specific times before procedure when you must refrain from eating and/or drinking. These are all based on safety standards. Please note that the standards have been revised recently. We believe that the fasting time should be as short as possible before your procedure. You will not improve your safety by not eating or drinking longer than necessary; in fact, at times you may complicate things a bit.