Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy uses a thin, flexible tube with a miniature video camera at the tip to safely investigate conditions associated with the large intestine (colon) and rectum. These may include concerns such as blood in the stool, abdominal pain, bowel problems, or abnormalities found in an imaging. Colonoscopy is also used for the preventative screening typically prescribed for adults around the age of 50.
Colonoscopy is a key to early detection of serious illnesses like colorectal cancer. The Canadian Task Force on Preventative Health Care estimates that 17,000 cases of colorectal cancer occur each year, resulting in approximately 6,500 deaths annually. The task force recommends screening through colonoscopy as a preventative measure.
Colonoscopy Preparation Instructions
(This preparation helps to clean out your bowel so that the doctor can examine the inner lining of your colon during your scope procedure)
Medications:
Bring a list of your current medications (or the actual pill bottles) for your appointment. You should take all your usual morning medications with sips of water (except diabetic pills). Continue your Aspirin or Blood Thinners (e.g. Coumadin/Warfarin, Plavix) as usual. If you have any questions about your medications, please call our clinic for further instructions.
5 Days Before Colonoscopy:
- Avoid foods containing seeds, nuts, or corn, or foods that are high in fiber.
Acceptable Clear Fluids:
Consommé/broth, yellow or green Jell-O, water, apple juice, white grape/cranberry juice, black coffee/tea (without milk), ginger ale, soda water, sports drinks like Gatorade (except red, purple, blue, or orange). Sports drinks strongly recommended because they contain electrolytes preventing dehydration.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MORNING APPOINTMENT (Before 12pm)
Day Before Colonoscopy:
- NO solid food for the entire day
- Drink lots of clear fluids (see list above)
- Purchase Peglyte (available at your local drug store without prescription). Add water to container and shake well (4L total)
- At 4pm, rapidly drink a glassful (240ml) of PEG solution every 10 minutes until 2L of solution is finished
Day of Colonoscopy:
- At 4am before your appointment, repeat this step with the remaining PEG solution, rapidly drinking 240ml solution every 10 minutes until 2L of solution is finished
- DO NOT DRINK ANYTHING 3 HOURS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFTERNOON APPOINTMENT (After 12pm)
Day Before Colonoscopy:
- Before 10am – have a light breakfast
- After 10am – No solid food until after your appointment.
- Drink lots of clear fluids (see list above)
- Purchase Peglyte (available at your local drug store without prescription). Add water to container and shake well (4L total)
- At 6pm, rapidly drink a glassful (240ml) of PEG solution every 10 minutes until 2L solution is finished
Day of Colonoscopy:
- At 6am before your appointment, repeat this step with the remaining PEG solution, rapidly drinking 240ml solution every 10
DO NOT DRINK ANYTHING 3 HOURS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Colonoscopy Appointment Instructions:
When booking your appointment, you will be told to use one of two bowel preparation instructions. Click here to view and print a copy of the appropriate Patient Document Package:
- Peglyte Bowel Prep Instructions
- Pico Salax Bowel Prep Instructions
Failure to follow the preparation instructions may result in cancellation of your procedure. The food restrictions and bowel preparation described are essential to ensure that your bowel is empty at the time of the colonoscopy. The preparation must be started the day before your procedure is scheduled to take place. If you have questions or concerns, please call the clinic for clarification.
For information on dietary restrictions please read the documents below:
Low-Fiber Diet for Colonoscopy Preparation
Clear-Liquid Diet for Colonoscopy Preparation
Missed Appointment:
A fee of $150 will be charged for no show or late cancellation of less than 3 business days.