All outpatients are to check in at central admitting on the first floor of the hospital. From there you will be directed to the procedure observation area. Nursing staff will greet you and review your history. You will have an IV placed when you arrive. Please report any allergies or medication concerns to the nurse. Your vital signs will be taken and a physical exam will be performed.
Who will talk to me about the procedure?
The interventional Radiologist will explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions you may have regarding your procedure. If you have been seen in the interventional radiology clinic first we will be happy to review your case again on the day of the procedure. You will be asked to sign a consent form following a discussion of risks, alternatives, and benefits.
What if I have a “contrast allergy”?
If you have an allergy to IV contrast please report this before your procedure. You may need to take medications prior to the procedure for safety. Contact your physician for further information. Contrast has changed in recent years and persons with prior “allergies” may be able to receive current contrast medications.
What if I have imaging studies performed at other hospitals outside of the Legacy system?
These imaging studies may be helpful to your doctor. Please bring them to your scheduled procedure or have them sent to the Radiology department at our hospital.
How do I prepare for my Interventional Radiology procedure?
Do not eat solid food for 6 hours prior to the procedure
Water only up to 3 hours prior to the procedure
You should take your regularly scheduled medications with water only
If you are a diabetic and on insulin, take half of your usual 24-hour total dose. Do not eat. Check your blood sugar.
If you are taking oral diabetic medications, do not take the medicine the night before and the morning of the procedure. Do not eat. Consult your own doctor with questions. Bring you medications with you
If you take Coumadin, Plavix or low molecular weight heparins (Fragmin or Lovenox), you will need to contact your primary care physician for permission to discontinue any of these medications. We will not be able to perform you procedure if you are taking these medicines.
Please contact your primary care doctor after the procedure about restarting your medications
Coumadin, Plavix, or Aspirin……………..Stop taking 7 days prior to the procedure
Low molecular weight Heparins…………….Stop taking 24 hours (two doses) prior to the procedure
Who will be involved in my care?
During your procedure, a technologist or nurse will assist the Interventional Radiology Physician. Additionally, nursing and technology staff will be circulating in the room. On rare occasion, a second Interventional Radiologist may be involved in your case.
Will I be sedated or given medications for my comfort?
Most of our procedures require conscious sedation for your comfort and relaxation. This will be monitored by nursing staff and directed by the physician performing you procedure. Local anesthetic will also be given. Patient comfort is a priority, and will allow us to perform our job well. Please notify us of any concerns. With some procedures, general anesthesia is required. You will meet the anesthesiologist prior to the procedure.
What happens after my Interventional Radiology Procedure?
You will be as the hospital 6-12 hours depending on the procedure. It is possible that you are admitted overnight following your procedure. Every effort will be made to discuss this at the time your procedure is scheduled
You must have a ride home. Conscious sedation renders you unable to operate a car or heavy machinery for 24 hours.
No heavy lifting—nothing heavier than a gallon of milk for 24hours.
You may return to your usual activities in 24 hours.
*** Please see procedure specific discharge instructions listed separately
Imaging Exam Preparations
You may be given additional instructions at the time your study is scheduled. If your question is not specifically addressed below please contact the department where your procedure is to be performed. Please check in at the Radiology Department front desk on the day of your appointment.
Barium Enema: Bowel prep kit can be purchased at a pharmacy, or you may pick up one at the hospital where testing will be performed. Preparation starts in the morning, the day before the exam. Follow the directions on the Box.
CT abdomen and/or pelvis: Noting by mouth four hours prior to the exam. Please arrive one hour before the exam to drink the prep, or pick up the prep ahead of time and take home before the procedure.
CT angiogram of coronary arteries: You will be coming through the pre procedure area. In order to obtain the best possible study you may be given IV medication to slow your heart rate and you may be given a Nitro tablet. No caffeine or sugar for 12 hours. Please discontinue Viagra or similar medications for seven days prior. Please tell our nurse about your medical history including allergies, medications, reactive airways disease, heart block , atrial fibrillation, pacemakers and surgical history including bypass grafts.
IVP(Intravenous Pyelogram): Bowel prep kit can be purchased at a pharmacy, or you may pick up one at the hospital where testing will be performed. Preparation starts in the morning, the day before the exam. Follow the directions on the Box.
Mammography: Do not use powder or deodorant before the exam. If your previous mammogram's are done elsewhere, please have them sent to the department before the time of your appointment, or you may bring them with you.
MRI: Wear loose cotton clothing; no jewelry or body piercing studs, no metal of any kind including on your clothing. Patients are placed in a strong magnetic field. Metal can interfere with the exam and be dangerous. You will be asked to complete a screening questionnaire before the exam.
Myelogram: This is usually a morning procedure. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight prior to the procedure. Clear liquids only on the morning of the exam. You will be at the hospital for 6-8 hours for the procedure. Please arrange for someone to drive you home.
Nuclear Medicine: Nothing by mouth for 2-8 hours before the procedure. This depends on the type of exam. Please ask at the time of scheduling.
UGI (Upper GI series/ Esophogram/ Small bowel follow through): Nothing to eat or drink 8 hours prior to the exam. No smoking or gum chewing two hours prior to the exam. After the study is completed drink 20oz of fluid. You may also take Milk of Magnesia after in order to help remove the barium from you system.
Ultrasound Pelvic/OB: Drink 32 oz of water one hour before the exam. Come to the procedure with a full bladder.
Ultrasound Abdomen: Noting to eat or drink 8 hours before the exam
