Tarboro Endoscopy Center

Mark Petruzziello, M.D.

Raghid Bitar, M.D.

Hours of Operation:
Tarboro Endoscopy Center is open Monday through
Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm. If you are unable to
keep your appointment, please contact our office
staff at: 252-563-1063.

Tarboro Endoscopy Center was developed by a board of highly trained individuals affiliated with Tarboro Clinic. The Center conforms to all North Carolina State, Medicare, and AAAHC standards in construction, design, policies, and procedures. This is also true in regards to fire protection and safety, as well as handicap accessibility. Your care will be provided by a team of skilled Physicians and Nurses licensed by the State of North Carolina. Our services incorporate excellence in professional care while utilizing state-of-the-art technology for ambulatory gastrointestinal endoscopy services.

For your visit make sure you arrive promptly at your appointment time and bring a photo ID and your current insurance information. You will check in with the receptionist. You must have a responsible driver that can stay with you during your procedure. They can wait in our comfortable waiting area while your procedure is in progress. If you do not have a driver that can stay with you, your procedure will be rescheduled.

What is Endoscopy
Endoscopy is a relatively non-invasive procedure that
provides direct visualization of the upper and lower portions
of your gastrointestinal tract. This is accomplished by passing a thin flexible tube into the body that enables the doctor to examine the lining for abnormalities, obtain biopsies or remove polyps if needed.

EGD(Esophagogastroduodenoscopy)
- This procedure examines the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus and stomach.
- Moderate Sedation is given through this procedure.
Biopsies may be obtained and/or dilation of the esophagus may be performed during this procedure as necessary.

Preparation for EGD
- Medications may be taken with small sips of water as advised by your Physician.
- You will be given Moderate Sedation for this procedure and must have a responsible driver take you home.

Colonoscopy
- This procedure examines the lining of the colon.
- Moderate Sedation is given through this procedure.
- Biopsies may be obtained and/or polyps may be removed during this procedure.

Preparation for Colonoscopy
In order to provide you with a thorough colonoscopy, it is extremely important that your colon be clean. This is accomplished by carefully following the bowel prep that your physician ordered for you. You will be given Moderate Sedation for this procedure and must have a responsible driver take you home.

Recovery Period
A Nurse Will Call you within 24-72 hours after your procedure to see how you are feeling. If at any time after your procedure you experience any problems, call your physician immediately. Their phone number will be on your discharge instructions.

You may feel weak and drowsy after your procedure. Do not drive a motor vehicle, operate machinery, make legal decisions, or drink alcohol for 24 hours after your procedure. Please follow your discharge instructions regarding diet, medication, and activity.