MUHC-MONTREAL GENERAL HOSPITAL
GASTROSCOPY INSTRUCTIONS
7TH FLOOR – MAIN BUILDING / ROOM D7-102
TEL: (514) 934-1934 LOC: 43906
What preparation is required?
It is necessary to have a completely empty stomach for the best possible examination. You should therefore fast for at least 6 hours (and preferably overnight) before the procedure. An allergy to iodine-containing drugs (contrast material or “dye”) is not a contraindication to ERCP, but it should de discussed with your physician prior to the procedure. The physician performing the procedure should be informed of any medications that you take regularly, any heart or lung conditions (or any other major diseases), and whether you have any drug allergies.
Someone MUST accompany you home from the procedure because of the sedation used during the examination. Even if you feel alert after the procedure, your judgement and reflexes may be impaired by the sedation for the rest of the day, making it unsafe for you to drive or operate any machinery. If a complication occurs, you may need to be hospitalized until it resolves.