Northfield Surgical Center

Welcome to our new website. We built this site to better serve our valued patients. On this site you will find contact information, directions , and information about our experienced physicians. If you have any questions or suggestions about how we can better serve you please feel free to call us at (973) 243-1062.

• Clara Maass Hospital
   Belleville, NJ

• Mountainside Hospital
   Montclair, NJ

• St Barnabas Hospital
   Livingston, NJ

• St Michaels Medical Center
   Newark, NJ

• West Hudson Hospital
   Kearny, NJ

741 Northfield Avenue
Suite 102
West Orange, NJ 07052
(973) 243-1062 (phone)
(973) 243-0564 (fax)

CARE

Our patients care is of the utmost concern as we strive to make your visit as comfortable as possible. Our friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions you or your loved ones might have about your ailments, diagnosis or procedure. Our staff can be reached at 973 243-1062. Below is a list of steps taken before, during and after the procedure.

Prior to your arrival ...

To help ensure an error free procedure the following steps should be taken prior to your arrival here at the Northfield Surgical Center:

• For the 24 hours before your procedure follow the "Clear Liquid Diet" on the right.
• Get plenty of rest before the procedure
• Plan on arriving to the Northfield Surgical Center one hour before your procedure.

Special Instructions:
*COLONOSCOPY preparation using Fleet Kit #3
1) STOP all vitamins, oral iron-continaing medication, aspirin, advil and blood thinners one week prior to the procedure. However, you you may take regular Tylenol only if needed. On the day of your procedure, DO NOT take insulin, but bring it with you to take following the procedure.

2) Purchase Fleet Kit #3 over-the-counter at your pharmacy and read the directions at least 48 hours in advance of your procedure. Follow the directions in the kit for the 24 HOUR PREP starting the day before your procedure when you wake up in the morning.

3) Up until 6 HOURS before your colonoscopy, you may have clear liquids only!

*GASTROSCOPY (Upper ENDOSCOPY)
1) STOP aspirin and blood thinners one week prior to procedure. However, you you may take regular Tylenol only if needed. On the day of your procedure, DO NOT take insulin, but bring it with you to take following the procedure.

2) DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your gastroscopy unless instructed differently by you doctor.

When you arrive ...

• When you arrive you will be registered at the front desk
• You will go to the Endoscopy Suite
• You will put on a patient gown
• Your belongings will be secured
• A Registered Nurse will perform an admission assessment. The RN will ask you about your medical history
• You will have a chance to ask questions
• An intravenous line will be started so that the doctor can administer medications to keep you comfortable and calm
• After your procedure, you will be observed until you feel well enough to go home
• You will get a light snack and beverage
• You will be given discharge instructions
• You will be discharged when your escort is present to drive you home
• You will receive a follow-up phone call regarding your experience at the center

***You will receive intravenous sedation for the gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy, so YOU MUST ARRANGE FOR TRANSPORTATION HOME. YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO DRIVE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE DAY!

Your return home ...

• Do not drive a car or operate machinery for 24 hours
• Eat and drink normally unless instructed otherwise
• If a polyp has been removed, then do not take aspirin (or any other medications or herbal products that thin blood) until you receive permission from your medical doctor

Call you physician if you develop ...

• Moderate abdominal pain/swelling
• Nausea or vomiting
• Chills or fever within 24 hours
• Large amount of rectal bleeding
• Pain in the chest/shortness of breath

* IF THE PROBLEMS ARE SEVERE, THEN GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AND NOTIFY YOUR DOCTOR.

- CLEAR LIQUID DIET -

PURPOSE ...
The clear liquid diet supplies fluids and energy from foods that need very little digestion. This diet is also used in preparation for surgery. The clear liquids reduce bowel residue and provide fluids to ease thirst. These liquids also provide certain salts and minerals and prevent dehydration. It is usually the first diet used after surgery. Clear liquids are also given after a person has been without food by mouth (NPO) for a long time. Another use is in preparation for certain medical tests such as x-rays, colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy.

NUTRITION ...
A clear liquid diet is not adequate in calories and nutrients. it should not be followed for more than five days unless supplemented by high-protein gelatin or other low residue supplements.

ALLOWED and RECOMMENDED ...
Sweets and desserts: gelatin (lemon or lime jello is recommended), fruit ice, popsicles, clear hard candy.

Beverages: coffee, tea, soft drinks, water, apple juice, lactose-free low residue supplements if ordered by physician.

Soups: bouillon, consomme, fat free broth.

AVOID and NOT ALLOWED ...
Milk and milk products, vegetables, fruits, breads, cereals and grains, meat and meat substitutes, fats and oils. Only those sweets, beverages and soups listed above may be taken. All others are to be avoided. Anything red or orange should also be avoided.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS ...
After surgery and fasting
Should persistent abdominal cramps or discomfort occur with a clear liquid diet, the patient should notify the physician, nurse, or dietitian at once.