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 miss 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 Colonoscopy

You will be able to resume your normal diet after the colonoscopy, unless you are instructed otherwise. If you had sedation, you will not be able to drive until the following morning and will require someone to take you home.

Appointments

If you do not show for an appointment, the time is wasted and patients on our urgent waiting list will suffer. To avoid being billed $250 for a missed Colonoscopy appointment, which is not covered by OHIP, you must notify our clinic at least 3 business days before the date of the appointment.

Please use the form we have provided in our Appointments page to cancel an appointment.

Cancelling your appointment the day before your procedure does not give us a chance to prepare another patient. If you fail to show for your appointment, you cannot be rebooked until you have discussed the situation with our clinic. Rebooking a missed appointment requires the approval of our Clinic Administrator.

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