Patient Info: Colonoscopy Instructions

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Colon Preparation

For the colonoscopy to be thorough and safe, your bowel must be completely empty. Therefore, to prepare for the procedure, you must follow the dietary instructions and take the laxative (Pico-Salax or Klean Prep) as explained in the instructions. You will need to pick up the laxative at your local pharmacy.

You will need to use one of the two preparations below. You will told which one to use by our clinic. Please do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions.

• Using Pico-Salax
• Using Klean-Prep

Please see Appointments below for important reasons why you should not change or cancel your appointment without due notice.

The Procedure

The procedure is extremely well tolerated with little or no discomfort. However, some patients who are extremely sensitive suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, have a loopy large bowel or severe diverticulosis may experience discomfort and will require sedation. The procedure usually takes 5-30 minutes. Major effects of the sedation wear off in about one hour.

Are There Any Complications?

Colonoscopy is safe and is associated with very low risk when performed by physicians who have been trained and are experienced in this procedure.

Complications can occur, but they are rare. Local discomfort usually disappears at the end of the procedure. Bleeding may occur from the site of biopsy or polyp removal. Perforation (a small hole in the lining of the bowel) may also occur rarely. These complications are usually mild but rarely may require blood transfusions or surgery.

After Your Procedure

If you were sedated for the procedure, you cannot drive until the following morning and must arrange to have someone else drive you home after the procedure. If you choose to go by taxi or public transit, you must be accompanied by someone.

For safety reasons, the person who drives or accompanies you must meet you inside the clinic after the procedure. You cannot leave the clinic on your own.

Appointments

We make every effort to give you a firm date and time for your appointment. A procedure room and a surgeon, anesthetist, nurses and support staff are booked just for you. Therefore, please let us know as soon as possible if you have to change or cancel the appointment so we can give this time to another patient who may be urgently waiting for a procedure.

Appointments can be changed or cancelled only by calling our Contact Centre during working hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. One of our representatives will approve the change or cancellation and provide you with a confirmation number. We cannot accept voice messages for changing or cancelling appointments.

• To avoid a $250 Fee for a changing or cancelling a colonoscopy appointment, you must notify us at least three (3) business days before the day of your appointment. This fee is not covered by OHIP.
• A Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) is available as an option to protect you against charges in the event that you are unable to give us 3 days advance notice. This plan costs $37.50 per appointment, and it must be paid at the time of booking your appointment.
• A Rescheduling Fee of $25.00 will be charged if you change your appointment (date, time or clinic location) more than one time. This fee must be paid at the time of rescheduling your appointment.

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