For General Practitioners
Patient Information Fact Sheets
- Achalasia
- Anal Fissures
- Barrett's Oesophagus
- Bowel Cancer
- Coeliac Disease
- Colorectal Cancer (Bowel Cancer) Screening
- Crohn's Disease
- Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
(Diverticular Disease) - Dysphagia
(Difficulty Swallowing) - Gallstones
- Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers ("Peptic Ulcers")
- Haemorrhoids
- Helicobacter pylori
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Hiatus Hernia
- Inoperable Gastrointestinal Malignancies
- Intestinal Parasites
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Peptic Oesophageal Strictures
- Reflux Disease
- Sedation for Endoscopy and Colonoscopy
- Ulcerative Colitis
- What is Colonoscopy?
- What is Endoscopy?
- What is Gastroscopy?
General Patient Information
The Diagnostic Endoscopy Centre participates in audits and data verification to ensure we are compliant with and maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice in relation to your care. In order to participate we may be required to use patient records or data for verification purposes (an example of this is during the accreditation process with the Australian Council on Health Care Standards, surveyors may wish to confirm documentation or follow the care pathway to ensure standards have been met) and we will always de-identify the record prior to granting access. Where we are unable to de-identify a patient record we will contact your personally to request your permission to grant access to your information. If you have any further queries about circumstances where the Diagnostic Endoscopy Centre may release information contained in your medical records please contact the Chief Executive Officer on 8382 6622 or .
Things To Know Before The Endoscopy Procedure
- Please read ALL information given to you carefully and as soon as possible.
- Follow the bowel preparation instructions given to you.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to collect you. For your safety you will NOT be permitted to leave the Unit unescorted, in a taxi unaccompanied or to drive a car for the rest of the day. Cancellation of your procedure may take place if these arrangements are not made. You can expect to be at the DEC for approximately 2-3 hours. Please note this Unit closes at 6pm and you will need to arrange for your escort to collect before this time.
- It is advisable to wear loose, comfortable clothing and non-slip shoes.
- Please complete the Booking Information Form, Care Pathway where instructed and provide a list of your medications and return to us as soon as possible. If you are unable to ensure these documents reach us before your appointment, please bring them with you on the day. You must also bring your referral letter, Medicare card, Pension Card and/or Veteran Affairs Card (if applicable).
- All excesses and co-payments are payable on the day of admission.
- Please do not bring valuables.
- A medical certificate will be issued if required.
Medications
Recovery: 8382 6615
Prior to any sedation it is desirable that you are as healthy as possible. This is why we advise you to take certain medications as normal prior to your appointment, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart problems, epilepsy, or any other medical conditions. There are some exceptions to this rule. Please read the following information carefully.
- Iron tablets should be stopped 5 days prior to your colonoscopy.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs should be stopped 5 days prior to your procedure.
- Blood thinning tablets (anti-coagulants) may need to be stopped as directed, please obtain medical advice prior to ceasing these medications. You may not be able to stop taking them and if that is the case we need to be aware you have continued to take them.
- Diabetic medications (insulin or oral tablets) generally should be withheld on the morning of the procedure. Please discuss with your Doctor. Please bring any diabetic medications with you on the day of admission. Your blood sugar level will be recorded on admission and again after your procedure.
Preparation For Colonoscopy
To enable a thorough and safe examination, the colon will need to be completely cleansed at home by the use of laxatives and the drinking of a quantity of lemon tasting solution, which passes through without upsetting your body. Please refer to your preparation instructions for specific details of which preparation to use and when to take each dose.
Special Considerations
Please make nursing and clinical staff aware of any allergies. If there is any chance you may be pregnant please let our staff know.
Consent For The Removal Of Polyps
It will not be possible to discuss the removal of your polyps with you at the time of examination, as you will be sedated. Therefore your consent for the removal of polyps will be obtained during the consent process with your treating Endoscopist. Please ensure you have read the consent page (page 2) of the Care Pathway prior to admission. If you have any queries or reservations, please inform the admission sister or the treating Endoscopist.
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