Important Announcements

Nondiscrimination Policy Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

To read our full Nondiscrimination Statement, click here.

Preparation Instructions for Upper Endoscopy/ERCP/Upper EUS

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Seven Days Before the Procedure

  • Arrange an escort: You will be given sedative medications during the procedure that make you relaxed and sleepy, so you cannot drive a car or travel home by yourself after the procedure. You must have a responsible adult to accompany you home. If you do not, your procedure will be canceled and rescheduled. No exceptions. Please inform your escort that the entire visit will last approximately three hours.
  • If you have a managed care plan, call to make sure they will cover your procedure.
  • If you are taking Coumadin or any blood thinners, call your prescribing doctor for special instructions about stopping the medication for your procedure.
  • Take your other regular medications as usual, including aspirin or NSAID pain relievers.
  • If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, call 617-414-2600 option #1.

Two Days Before the Procedure

  • Confirm your escort.

On the Day of the Procedure

  • Your stomach must be completely empty to allow for a safe examination. Please DO NOT EAT ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT on the evening prior to the procedure.
  • You may have CLEAR LIQUIDS ONLY up until two hours before your appointment, but NO SOLID FOOD. Examples of acceptable clear liquids include:
    • Apple or white grape juices (NO pulp)
    • Broths that are clear and contain no solids
    • Tea and coffee WITHOUT milk or cream
  • Soda, sports drinks, Kool-Aid, Jell-O, Popsicles, (any color except red)Take your usual medications with a sip of water, especially your blood pressure medications. Please bring a list of current medications.
  • If you have diabetes - if you take insulin in the morning, take one-half dose of insulin on the morning of the procedure. If you take a pill for your diabetes, you may skip it on the morning of the procedure unless instructed otherwise. Please check your blood sugar level in the morning and if it is low or if you feel shaky, drink apple juice, sports drink or soda.
  • Make sure your escort/driver is available to pick you up after the procedure.