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Endoscopic procedures typically done at the Austin Endoscopy Centers consist of esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs), colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies. Manometric procedures done at the Centers consist of Manometry only, pH probe insertions/removals and a combination Manometry/pH probe study.
Recovery Following Your Procedure
You will be asked to sign consent forms for procedures, test, or treatments. Your physician will explain these tests or procedures. If you do not understand the test or procedure you are asked to consent to, tell your nurse and he or she will call your doctor to explain it further. It is important for you to understand the risks, benefits and alternatives available to you whenever you are undergoing a procedure, test or treatment.
Austin Endoscopy Center encourages your family and friends to accompany you to the Center, because we value their assistance. It is important to have a friend, family member or loved one with you throughout your stay at the Center. This individual will care for your things while you are in procedure. Because you will be sedated, this person will help you with doctor instructions and will need to drive you home as you will not be able to do this yourself.
Designated caregivers, as determined by the patient and family, will be educated along with the patients in order to facilitate an understanding of your treatment plan. Family and friends are encouraged to spend as much time as needed with the patient; however, consideration should be given to the needs of the patient. Our nurses and/or your physician may issue a “no-visitor” order or limit the number of visitors if the patient needs minimal disturbance or is not resting.
To benefit all patients, visitors and personnel, all visitors are required to conduct themselves in a polite and courteous manner. We also ask that our visitors be aware of their own medical condition when accompanying you to the Center. In the best interest of the health of our patients and staff, visitors who have a fever, symptoms of colds, flu, or any type of communicable disease should not come to the Center.
Your care will be delivered by a caring team consisting of your Physician, a Registered Nurse, Endoscopy Technician, and other staff members who have been trained to understand and embrace the A.E.C. philosophy of “Patient-Focused Care.”
Our Registered Nurses have special training in gastrointestinal disease as well as other disease processes, to assist with focusing on your individual needs. Our Endoscopy Technicians are staff members with special training in assisting our nursing staff in your daily care.
Our patient care staff has been through an extensive orientation process to ensure that the delivery of care is focused on the needs of the patient and to ensure full capability of delivering the very best in patient care.
On the day of your procedure you will be asked to arrive one (1) hour before your procedure for endoscopies and 15 minutes prior for Manometry / pH studies. There are MANY steps to prepare you and we don’t want to rush you or have you incompletely prepared for your procedure.
The Receptionist will greet you and information will be obtained (or verified) to complete your patient record.
You will be escorted into the Pre-Procedure area to prepare you for your procedure. The nursing staff will assist you with changing and securing your personal belongings. Your nurse will then obtain needed signatures for consent of your procedure, start an IV (intravenous access to give you fluids and medication to relax you during the procedure) and answer any final questions you might have.
You will then be taken into one of the procedure rooms. We know that everyone gets anxious, especially regarding the “unknown,” so there will always be a staff member with you. We are here for your safety and comfort so please feel free to ask your nurse if you need or want anything.
Recovery Following Your Procedure
After your procedure you will be taken to the Recovery Area for close monitoring. Specially trained nurses will frequently monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing and will care for you until you are ready to be discharged. You can expect frequent checks of your pulse, breathing, and blood pressure. You will be allowed liquids by mouth only if so ordered by your doctor. Be sure to tell your nurse if you are uncomfortable in any way.
Please inform your nurse if you become nauseated or are having discomfort of any kind.
You may be discharged from the Recovery area in the care of a responsible adult.
Your physician will determine when you are ready to be discharged and will advise your nurse, who will assist you with the discharge process. The Administrative Business Office may contact you prior to your discharge if additional information is needed. Final instructions will be completed prior to discharge and will be explained to you and your family member or friend who has accompanied you to the center. Finally, a staff member will walk with you to your vehicle at the time of your discharge.
Preventing the Spread of Infection / Infection Control Guidelines
Valuables and Personal Belongings
Concerns During Your Visit to the Center
Preventing the Spread of Infection / Infection Control Guidelines
Wash your hands. This is the single most important infection control measure that anyone can use. Wash your hands with soap and water using vigorous friction. Wash your hands after using the restroom, before eating and after touching an unclean surface.
- If you see any kind of soiling, please tell the staff so that we may have it cleaned for you.
- Do not use anyone else's linen or hygiene items.
- Your visitors and family should not accompany you when they are sick or have an infection.
- If you are ill or have recently been ill please let your nurse know so that they may make any needed accommodations to prevent cross contamination.
- Do not go into the treatment area and supply area, or trash area. Let a staff member know your needs and we will be happy to help you.
- Ask your doctor and your nurse about your illness and how it is treated. If you know these things, you can help the people who are caring for you.
- All of the Center’s equipment is cleaned / disinfected / sterilized according to CDC and APIC standards for your health and well-being.
- We hope these directions will help you. If you have any questions, please ask your doctor or nurse.
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Please give your nurse a list of any medications you are taking regularly, including dosage and times. Include any medications also known as investigational drugs you may be taking in accordance with approved research programs. Your nurse will review these. Your nurse will administer medications to you as ordered by your physician. All medications, including aspirin, may possibly interfere or interact with tests or medicines ordered for your treatment.
For your safety and protection, only medications approved by your physician and supplied by our staff will be given to you during your stay. Your nurse will ask you questions concerning your past reactions to medications and any allergies you may have. You will be asked to wear an allergy bracelet, which alerts caregivers to your allergies.
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Please let the staff know if you have these items. They may interfere with some of the monitoring equipment.
Foreign language translation services are available through AT&T Language Line to assist in communicating with patients regarding their medical care. The staff can make arrangements for this service should it be necessary for effective communication.
If sign language services are needed, please inform staff before your visit.
Wheelchairs are available to individuals requiring this type of assistance. A staff member can make the necessary arrangements.
A Telecommunications Device for Deaf persons (TDD) is available on request. A staff member can make the necessary arrangement for your use of the equipment.
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Valuables and Personal Belongings
Please do not bring valuables such as money, jewelry, documents, fur garments, or other articles of unusual value to the Center. The Center is not responsible for the loss or damage of items.
Pets are not allowed at the Austin Endoscopy Center with the exception of assistive guide dogs.
Austin Endoscopy Center is a smoke-and drug-free facility. The Center recognizes the hazards of smoking and enforces a “no smoking” policy throughout the Center. There is a designated smoking area outside of the Center.
The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. (AAAHC) and other licensing organizations requires our center to routinely participate in fire drills. Do not be alarmed. During a fire drill, an announcement will be made that a drill will take place and an alarm will sound. The staff will keep you informed. In the event of a true emergency, the staff will guide and assist you to a safe area.
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Cellular phones may only be used in the lobby and reception areas. They may not be used in patient care areas because they interfere with vital monitoring equipment.
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Firearms are NOT allowed inside the Center.
We are focused on providing you, the patient, with safe and comprehensive endoscopic care. Therefore, the Center has made provisions with several area hospitals to transfer you in case of an emergency or if you need a higher level of care. If the need arises, your physician will discuss this with you and/or your representative. Our staff will make arrangements for transportation and admission to the receiving hospital. A copy of your records will be sent to you. You or your representative will be kept informed at all times. This possibility of transfer is a rare occasion.
Our philosophy of “patient-focused care” compels us to keep you informed of your rights and to provide the highest level of care to you…our patient!
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If you have any other special requirements or needs, please discuss them with your nurse or staff member.
Feelings of anxiety and uncertainty often affect both you and your family when you are ill. Sometimes you or your family may have a dilemma or conflict with your planned course of treatment. If so, you may request a meeting with the Ethics Committee. The Ethics Committee provides consulting services to patients, physicians, and Center personnel when ethical considerations or personal dilemmas regarding the extent of treatment of irreversible or terminal conditions arise. The Ethics Committee is convened when there is a conflict between any of the involved parties relating to levels of treatment that are planned.
If you feel you or your family members would like to meet with the Ethics Committee or if you would like the Committee to review your care in terms of planned treatment for your irreversible or terminal condition, inform your nurse. Your nurse will contact the appropriate parties, and a meeting of the Ethics Committee will be arranged.
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Concerns during your visit to the center
At the Austin Endoscopy Center, your satisfaction with all services is important to us. Should you or your family members become concerned about the care that you are receiving, you may contact the Director of Nursing (512) 371-1519 and discuss any issues that did not meet your expectations. You may also call the Administrative offices at (512) 420-0186 after your discharge. We encourage you to voice your opinion regarding the care you have received and we welcome your comments.
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You will be asked to have a TB skin test performed prior to your infusion if you have not had a TB test within the last twelve months. If you need a TB test, you may come to the Infusion clinic or have this done at your family doctor’s office and bring a copy of the result to the Infusion clinic with you. The TB test needs to be performed at least 4-5 days before your infusion is scheduled. Remember, we cannot perform your Remicade Infusion unless we have a negative TB test documented on our chart. Please call the clinic at (512) 371-1588 if you have any questions regarding the infusion. Please be prepared to spend approximately 3 hours at the clinic. You may watch TV, read a book and even eat. We have wonderful leather recliners for your comfort and we will attempt to make your visit to the Infusion clinic as pleasant as possible. Click here to download the Informed Consent for Treatment with Remicade form.
© 2003 Austin Gastroenterology * Updated