An endoscopy uses a flexible tube (endoscope) equipped with a light and camera to view the inside of the body’s hollow organs, most commonly the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This examination allows physicians to inspect the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, or colon, helping to diagnose conditions like ulcers, inflammation, or early signs of cancer. Understanding these preparation steps, particularly concerning clothing, ensures both patient comfort and the safety of the medical procedure.
Required Clothing Changes
Patients undergoing an endoscopy are routinely asked to change out of their street clothes and into a hospital gown. This change helps maintain a sterile environment and allows the medical team immediate, unobstructed access to the patient’s body in case of an emergency. The extent of the required change depends on the type of endoscopy being performed.
For an upper endoscopy, also known as an Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), patients typically remove clothing from the waist up, though a full gown change is common practice. This ensures the chest area is accessible for the placement of monitoring equipment, such as ECG leads and blood pressure cuffs. The gown also provides easy access for the insertion of an intravenous (IV) line used to administer sedating medication.
A lower endoscopy, such as a colonoscopy, requires a complete change into a hospital gown, including the removal of all undergarments. This full change is necessary because the procedure involves examining the lower GI tract, requiring access to the rectal area. The gown is designed to be easily manipulated by the medical staff while still providing maximum coverage and dignity to the patient.
Removing Accessories and Personal Items
Patients are required to remove various personal items and accessories for their safety and to prevent interference with the procedure.
Dentures, partial plates, and removable retainers must be taken out, especially for upper endoscopies. Leaving these items in place during sedation poses a risk of them becoming dislodged and obstructing the patient’s airway.
All jewelry, including rings, necklaces, earrings, and body piercings, must be removed before the procedure. Metal items present a risk of interfering with electrocautery equipment, which is often used during the endoscopy to stop bleeding or remove polyps. If electrocautery is used, the presence of metal can cause an electrical arc, leading to potential burns on the skin. Removing jewelry also prevents the loss or damage of valuables.
Other items, such as dark nail polish, gel nails, or acrylics, must be removed from at least one finger, typically the index finger. This is required for accurate monitoring of oxygen saturation levels using a pulse oximeter clipped onto the fingertip. Dark or thick coverings on the nail can block the light sensor, leading to inaccurate readings of the blood’s oxygen level. While contact lenses and glasses are usually removed and safely stored, hearing aids are often permitted, provided the staff is informed.
Ensuring Patient Comfort and Privacy
The requirement to undress and wear a gown is driven by patient safety, but medical staff are trained to prioritize comfort and privacy throughout the entire process. The hospital gown provides quick access for monitoring devices and allows physicians to move freely if they need to intervene quickly. This ease of access is paramount when a patient is sedated and their vital signs are being closely watched.
Patients are provided with a private or semi-private area to change into the gown, and their belongings are securely stored, often underneath the stretcher to remain with them. During the procedure itself, nurses and other medical personnel are present as chaperones, and the patient is covered with blankets or drapes to maintain modesty.
The care team understands the anxiety related to undressing for a medical procedure. Clear communication about the necessity of the gown and the measures taken to protect privacy helps alleviate these concerns. Patients are encouraged to voice any anxieties they have about their comfort or privacy to the staff.