your procedure guide

·upper endoscopy ·colonoscopy (fleet phospho) ·colonoscopy (half-lytely) ·colonoscopy (colyte/nulytely) ·colonoscopy (osmoprep)

·flexible sigmoidoscopy ·small bowel capsule endoscopy (pill cam) ·BRAVO pH monitoring ·FAQs

Understanding the Sedation for Your Procedure
Most patients undergoing endoscopic procedures will receive intravenous medications to relax them and keep them comfortable. This is often called Moderate Sedation, Conscious Sedation or Sedation and Analgesia. If you receive this type of sedation, you will maintain your protective reflexes and will be able to respond to mild stimuli.

Most patients receive a combination of two medications to achieve the desired effect. One medication is called Versed; this is a sedative that is used to relax you. Versed can also have an amnesic effect, which is why you may not remember the procedure afterwards. The second medication is called Fentanyl; this is a narcotic pain medication which is used to control any discomfort.

Because everyone responds differently to these medications, they are administered gradually in small doses until the physician feels you are adequately relaxed and comfortable. Additional doses are often given throughout the procedure at the doctor’s discretion. Our nursing staff receives special training in the administration of sedation and analgesia, as well as completing annual reviews.

The primary goal of these medications is to ensure your comfort, not to “knock you out.” It is okay for you to be awake during your procedure as long as you are comfortable. However, you may doze throughout the procedure and remember very little. There will be a Registered Nurse with you throughout the procedure; you should let them know if you are having any discomfort so they can give you additional medication.

The physician and nurse will be monitoring your vital signs throughout the procedure. Your blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm and oxygen saturation will be continuously monitored; this is to ensure that you are not having any ill effects from the medications you are receiving. 

Transportation Assistance
Atherton Endoscopy Center requires that you have a responsible adult accompany you home and inside your house after your procedure. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home or to take a taxi or bus. Your procedure will be canceled unless you have an appropriate ride home. It is your responsibility to find your own ride. Please talk to your doctor if you anticipate being unable to find a ride.

Please call the Atherton Endoscopy Center if you are using one of these means of transportation and we will let you know what time they can pick you up. We may ask you to stay a little longer than the normal if you are not going home with a family member or friend.

F.I.S.H. (Friends In Service to Humanity) 650-593-1288

• Volunteer organization providing ride assistance to and from medical appointments at no charge.
• Only serves clients living in Redwood City, San Carlos and Belmont, but will drive to Atherton.
• Operates Monday through Friday 9am - 5pm only.
• Requires at least four days notice.
• You should request a volunteer that is able to assist you inside your front door.

NEED A RIDE 650-462-0853

• Operates Monday through Friday 8am - 5pm.
• Prefer a few days notice; leave them a message and they will call you back that evening between 6 and 9 pm.
• Prices are very reasonable. Serves communities between Palo Alto and San Mateo.
• You must be able to walk, but they can assist with walkers.

Atherton Endoscopy Center accepts no responsibility for the above mentioned organizations.

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