Question 1

How do I prepare for a Duodenoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Visual examination of the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum) by introducing a tube with a camera through the mouth.

Question 2

What do I need to know before a Duodenoscopy?

Accepted Answer

• **Fasting:** Strict fasting (no solid food or liquids, not even water) for at least 8 hours before the test is essential. The stomach and duodenum must be completely empty to ensure good visibility and avoid complications. • **Medication:** If you take anticoagulants (such as acenocoumarol/sintrom, warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran, heparin, etc.) or antiplatelets (such as aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, prasugrel, etc.), your doctor will tell you whether to continue, adjust or stop them, depending on the type of procedure and your situation. Please also consult your doctor if you take medication for diabetes. It is **ESSENTIAL** that you follow the exact instructions given by your doctor. Review the consultation report in which the test was requested to confirm the specific guidelines for your case. • **Clothing and Accessories:** We recommend wearing comfortable, loose clothing. Before the test, you will need to remove your glasses and any removable dentures. It is also advisable to remove jewellery and facial or neck piercings to make it easier to pass the endoscope and avoid any interference. Come without nail polish, as a sensor (pulse oximeter) will be placed on your finger to monitor sedation. • **Specific Requirements:** Please do not smoke on the day of the test, as tobacco stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, which can make the examination more difficult. As this procedure is usually performed under sedation, you must come with an adult, since for your safety you will not be able to drive or make important decisions for the rest of the day. • **Discomfort or pain after the test:** If the sedation is light, you may feel some nausea while the tube is inserted. After the procedure, it is completely normal to have a slight sore, dry or irritated throat for 1 or 2 days. It is also very common to feel abdominal bloating, fullness or gas due to the air introduced during the test to expand the intestine and improve visibility.

Question 3

What do I have to do before a Duodenoscopy?

Accepted Answer

• **Fasting:** Strict fasting (no solid food or liquids, not even water) for at least 8 hours before the test is essential. The stomach and duodenum must be completely empty to ensure good visibility and avoid complications. • **Medication:** If you take anticoagulants (such as acenocoumarol/sintrom, warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran, heparin, etc.) or antiplatelets (such as aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, prasugrel, etc.), your doctor will tell you whether to continue, adjust or stop them, depending on the type of procedure and your situation. Please also consult your doctor if you take medication for diabetes. It is **ESSENTIAL** that you follow the exact instructions given by your doctor. Review the consultation report in which the test was requested to confirm the specific guidelines for your case. • **Clothing and Accessories:** We recommend wearing comfortable, loose clothing. Before the test, you will need to remove your glasses and any removable dentures. It is also advisable to remove jewellery and facial or neck piercings to make it easier to pass the endoscope and avoid any interference. Come without nail polish, as a sensor (pulse oximeter) will be placed on your finger to monitor sedation. • **Specific Requirements:** Please do not smoke on the day of the test, as tobacco stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, which can make the examination more difficult. As this procedure is usually performed under sedation, you must come with an adult, since for your safety you will not be able to drive or make important decisions for the rest of the day. • **Discomfort or pain after the test:** If the sedation is light, you may feel some nausea while the tube is inserted. After the procedure, it is completely normal to have a slight sore, dry or irritated throat for 1 or 2 days. It is also very common to feel abdominal bloating, fullness or gas due to the air introduced during the test to expand the intestine and improve visibility.

General instructions for Duodenoscopy

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