After Your Gastroenterology Procedure
Our Guide to Making a Full Recovery
After your procedure, you will be taken to the first stage recovery area where you will be monitored for approximately 30 minutes or longer, depending on the type and length of your procedure and anesthesia. As the anesthesia wears off, you will be transferred to a second stage recovery area where you will be joined by the family member or friend who will drive you home.
For safety reasons, if a patient was sedated during their procedure we do not allow them to leave the hospital on their own. It is unsafe to operate a vehicle for 24 hours after receiving anesthesia, so you will need someone to drive you home once you are discharged. We also recommend someone stay with you overnight to help around the house while you recover.
Recovering from Home
A nurse or physician should provide you with written instructions on how to continue your recovery at home. If you do not receive anything like this, ask someone before you leave or have someone call the hospital when you get home. During discharge, we may schedule a follow-up appointment to check how you are doing and further discuss the results of the procedure.
What to expect after the procedure:
- You will need to follow a temporary diet for 24 hours after the procedure
- You may feel dizzy, drowsy or light head for several hours
- It is dangerous to drive a vehicle or operate machinery for 24 hours after receiving anesthetic
- You should not make any important or significant decisions for 24 hours after receiving anesthetic
- Do not drink or smoke for 24 hours
- A nurse will call you with a follow-up the day after your procedure
Contact us immediately if you experience anything beyond the intended side effects of your procedure. If you cannot reach a physician, please visit the nearest emergency room.
