Endoscopy

Capule Endoscopy

Colonoscopies and upper endoscopies can’t allow doctors to see the small intestine very well. Capsule endoscopy is able to take detailed pictures of the small intestine. It can help discover possible causes of bleeding, anemia or diarrhea.

Capsule endoscopies are small tablets (like a pill) that you swallow and pass in your stool. As the capsule travels through the body, it takes detailed pictures of the small intestine.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopies are used to look at the lower part of your digestive tract. Our gastroenterologists use a colonoscope (a thin, flexible fiber optic tube) to view the inside of your colon and large intestine.

Esophageal Dilatation

Esophageal dilation is a procedure used to “widen” the esophagus. Certain conditions can cause the esophagus to narrow, such as chronic acid-reflux, tumors or hiatal hernias.

Patients are given a spray or gargle to numb the throat so they don’t feel discomfort during the procedure. Then, a provider guides a tube down the throat to widen the esophagus.

Liver Biopsy

Liver biopsies help our gastroenterology and digestive health specialists diagnose liver conditions, such as cancer and hepatitis.

A liver biopsy involves taking a small sample of your liver for testing. Our specialists use a small needle, guided by an ultrasound, to collect the sample.

Paracentesis

Paracentesis is a procedure used to drain fluid that builds up in the abdominal cavity. This is often caused by conditions like cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), kidney problems or even cancer.

Our specialists use a needle to drain fluid from the abdomen. Some of this fluid may be kept for testing.

Upper Endoscopy

Upper endoscopies are used to look at the upper gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus (throat), stomach and duodenum (the part of the small intestine that connects to the stomach). Our specialists use this procedure to detect ulcers, signs of inflammation or even growths.

During an upper endoscopy, you are given medicine to help you sleep so you remain comfortable. Your provider guides a camera down your throat and into your stomach.

To prepare for an endoscopy procedure, you need to follow certain guidelines leading up to the procedure. If you are scheduled for an endoscopy, please review the endoscopy preparation information before your procedure.

To ensure you are fully prepared, review all prep information at least seven days before your procedure.

Follow all instructions from your provider and review our referral, financial, and cancelation policies. If you need to cancel or postpone, please call us at 508-210-5806 no later than 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled appointment.

Where To Report for Your Procedure

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Plymouth
275 Sandwich Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
508-210-5806

Parking

Use Parking Lot A, which is closest to the Endoscopy Department by Urann Lobby. Valet is available.

Health Considerations Prior to Your Endoscopy

If You’re Taking Any Medications

• Diabetes Medication: Please contact the doctor who manages your diabetes before making any changes to your diet, medications or insulin pump.
• Pepto-Bismol or Iron Supplements: Please stop taking 7 days prior to your procedure.
• Aspirin and Pain Medications: You may continue to take aspirin or similar pain medicines.
• Blood Thinners: Please contact your prescribing physician if you have not already done so.

Do NOT make any changes to these medicines on your own.

If You May Be Pregnant

Please consult your OB/GYN provider before your appointment to discuss optimal timing for your procedure, and the best sedation/anesthesia approach.

Please Notify Us in Advance if You

• Are allergic to sedatives, or have any problems with sedatives, pain medicine or narcotics
• Weigh over 300 pounds
• Are currently taking narcotic pain medicine
• Have severe liver disease

One Week Before Your Endoscopy

If You Are Taking Medication

• Stop taking any Pepto Bismol or Iron Supplements.
• Stop taking weekly doses of GLP-1 agonists (Wegovy, Ozempic, Trulicity, Saxenda, Mounjaro, etc.).
  • Note: If you take a daily dose of GLP-1 agonist, you may continue until the day of your procedure.

Prepare Your Ride Home

• You may not drive yourself home after sedation.
• A responsible adult must come to the procedure area to drive you home when you are ready for discharge. You must provide their name and phone number upon check-in. If you cannot provide this information, your procedure may be delayed.
• Public transportation such as taxi, bus, Uber, or Lyft is not allowed.

The Day Before Your Endoscopy

At Midnight

• Food: Stop eating all solid food. No hard candy or gum.
• Liquids: You may drink clear liquids for up to four hours before your procedure.
  • Clear liquids include:
    • Water
    • Light-colored sodas
    • Tea or coffee — black only (no cream or non-dairy creamers of any kind)
    • Clear juices — white grape, apple and cranberry (with no red/purple dye)
    • Broth and bouillon
    • Jell-O (no red)
    • Popsicles (no red)
  • Clear liquids do NOT include:
    • Solid food
    • Gum or hard candy
    • Drinks with red dye
    • Dairy products
    • Juice with pulp

The Day of Your Endoscopy

4 Hours Before Your Scheduled Procedure Time

• Fluids: Stop drinking all fluids.
• Food: Do not take anything by mouth (food, drink, candy, or gum).
• Medication:
  • You may take any usual morning medications with a small sip of water.
  • If you have diabetes or take blood thinners, please follow your doctor’s advice regarding any changes to your medications that may be needed.
  • If you take GLP-1 agonists (Wegovy, Ozempic, Trulicity, Saxenda, Mounjaro, etc.):
    • Daily Dosing – Do not take your GLP-1 medication on the day of the procedure.
    • Weekly Dosing – Do not take your GLP-1 medication 1 week prior to procedure.

Immediately Following Your Endoscopy

• Do not drive.
• Avoid going to work or school.
• Avoid making important decisions.
• Avoid providing care for children.

The Day After Your Endoscopy

You may resume all activities the next day unless otherwise instructed.