FAQs

Endoscopy
Center of
Arkansas

Outpatient
Procedure Center

1024 N University Ave
Little Rock, AR 72207

  • Do I need to visit the Center before the procedure date?
    No. You will need an up-to-date medical history and physical form from your physician. Pre-op examinations must be done within 30 days of your scheduled procedure date. Some patients may choose to come to the Center before their procedure date to make payments.
  • What if I cannot make my appointment?
    Please notify the physician and Endoscopy Center at (501) 537-0900, as early as possible, if you cannot make your scheduled appointment. Early notification can help us better accommodate you and other patients.
  • What should I wear?​
    Please wear comfortable clothing. Button-down shirts or blouses are best. Wear comfortable shoes. Leave all jewelry at home, including body-piercing jewelry. Children may wear pajamas, but please refrain from placing them in footed pajamas. 
  • Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to the procedure?
    You refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to your procedure in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents during your procedure. This complication is very serious and you need to strictly abide by our recommendations. This has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after your procedure as some think. We have very clear policies as to specific times before your procedure when you must refrain from eating and/or drinking. These are all based on safety standards. Please note that the standards have been revised recently. We believe that the fasting time should be as short as possible before your procedure. You will not improve your safety by not eating or drinking longer than necessary.  
  • Should I take my usual daily medication?
    ​Your physician will inform you if any of your medications should be stopped prior to your procedure. Please call your physician with any questions you may have regarding your medications. People using inhalers must bring them to the Center on the day of the procedure. 
  • May I continue my herbal medications?
    Many herbal medications may affect your clotting mechanism and interfere with the anesthetic agents. (The list of drugs and their side effects are too great for this site.) Please ask your physician when you should stop these medications. Please remember to mention these remedies when being asked about medication.
  • Who may accompany me?
    You are welcome to bring one person with you to the Center. That person will be allowed to be with you before your procedure and may sit with you after the procedure, if you so choose. When a patient is a child, often two parents and/or guardians will accompany him or her to the Center. Both parents will be allowed to stay with the child before the procedure and in the recovery area, but please refrain from bringing additional guests. Please refrain from bringing young children to the Center as guests.
  • Will I receive sedation before going into the procedure room?
    We will individualize each patient’s care. Patients receiving Monitored Anesthesia Care will be interviewed by the CRNA in pre-op, before being taken to the procedure room. 
  • Will I be contacted before my procedure?
    Yes. We call each patient before the procedure date to confirm the appointment time and hopefully answer any of your questions.
  • Should I bathe and wash my hair before leaving home?
    Yes. You can comfortably take a shower, bathe, brush your teeth, etc. We recommend you refrain from applying body lotions as this may hinder our ability to apply the cardiac monitors.
  • What should I do if I am not feeling well?
    If you are not feeling well, please contact your physician immediately. 
  • What should I do if I started my menstrual cycle?
    This will not affect your procedure.
  • What should I do if I believe that I am pregnant?
    It is very important for us to be aware of this possibility. If there is any doubt, please contact us immediately.
  • May I drive home?
    Any patient receiving sedation should not drive until the next day. A patient receiving sedation for a procedure needs a ride home. All patients are required to have a ride home and will be received by a responsible adult when they arrive home. Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk or take public transportation after sedation. Please make the appropriate arrangements.
  • What if I have special needs?
    We will make every effort to accommodate any special need you may have. We strongly encourage you to call the Center in advance so that we can properly prepare to make you comfortable. Do not hesitate to call and suggest anything that may make your day easier.
  • Should I bring my special needs equipment?
    Yes. Please bring any walkers, assistive devices, hearing aids, etc.
  • What must I bring with me on the day of the procedure?
    Bring insurance identification cards, driver’s license, and check/ cash/credit card if you have to meet a financial obligation.