Expert digestive health care in the north suburbs

• Achalasia
• Anal fistula
• Barrett's esophagus
• Cancers of the anus, colon and rectum
• Colitis
• Celiac disease
• Constipation
• Diverticulitis
• Duodenitis
• Esophageal motility disorders
• Esophageal cancer
• Esophageal varices
• Esophagitis
• Food impaction
• Gastritis
• Gallstones
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Gastroparesis
• Heartburn
• Hemorrhoids
• Hiatal hernia
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Crohn's disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Rectal bleeding
• Stomach cancer
• Tumors of the liver, gastrointestinal tract and pancreas
• Ulcers

• Direct access screening colonoscopies
• Diagnostic and interventional endoscopy
• Advanced medical and surgical procedures
• Minimally invasive and robotic surgery
• Interventional radiology

A simpler process: We offer direct access to screening colonoscopies to qualified patients, saving you time and money.

Don’t worry: What you should know about your first colonoscopy.

How to prepare:

• Arrange for someone to drive you home, and keep your schedule free for the rest of the day to recuperate from your procedure and the sedation. After the procedure, do not attempt to drive, take a cab or use public transportation by yourself.
• Inform your physician of any restrictive medical conditions or allergies.
• Talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking. Bring a list of current medications, vitamin supplements and herbs with you to your procedure.
• Please leave jewelry and valuables at home.

What to expect:

Before your procedure

• Plan to arrive one hour prior to your scheduled appointment and check in at patient registration. Have your photo ID, insurance cards and any physician referrals ready.
• Your physician will explain the procedure and have you sign an informed consent form.
• You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and put your personal items in a patient belongings bag.

After your procedure

• After your physician has determined it is safe for you to be discharged, you may prepare to go home.
• Your medical team will give you a discharge instruction sheet that includes important phone numbers.

Having your procedure at Advocate Condell

There are a few things you'll need to know prior to arriving for your appointment.

Arrival and registration:

Please arrive at surgery registration one hour prior to your appointment.

You'll be asked to complete a few registration forms and provide photo identification, such as a driver's license or state ID, as well as insurance information.

Parking:

Complimentary valet parking is available for all patients at the main entrance.

Be sure you have an escort:

Please be aware that following your procedure you will not be allowed to drive yourself home, take a cab or take public transportation unescorted. To ensure your safety, you must have a responsible adult to accompany you home following your procedure. We take your safety seriously. If you do not have an appropriate escort, you will need to reschedule your appointment.

Your friend or relative is welcome to wait during your procedure. Visitors are encouraged to visit our Fresh Start Cafe for a light meal, snack or beverage while they wait.

Recovery period:

Following your procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will stay for approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the procedure you had.

Going home:

You will receive instructions and important information before you are sent home. You will not be able to drive, operate machinery or return to work until the next day. We will ask that you go home, relax and continue to recover. Also, please be aware that you should not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours following your procedure.