Colonoscopy

What to expect

During the procedure, a flexible tube with a camera, called a scope, is inserted into your anus and carefully passed through the rectum and colon. This allows the gastroenterologist to examine the lining of your large intestine and capture images for examination.

A colonoscopy may also involve the collection of a small tissue sample, called a biopsy, and the removal of polyps (non-cancerous clumps of cells).

Colonoscopies help screen, diagnose and monitor various conditions such as:

• Colorectal cancer
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Diverticular disease
• Ulcers
• Bowel obstructions

Before the colonoscopy, you will receive instructions on how to cleanse the colon. It is important to follow those instructions carefully.

There are specialized colonoscopy procedures such as:

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: Focuses on examining the rectum and the lower part of the colon.  
• Pouchoscopy: Examines the inside of an intestinal pouch, typically performed on patients who have undergone a proctocolectomy and have a constructed pouch.  
• Ileoscopy: For patients with ileostomies. The scope is inserted into the stoma and moved into the lower part of the small intestine to perform the examination.

The type of sedative used for a colonoscopy may vary depending on the patient’s medical condition and preferences. It is important to have someone who can bring you home after the procedure, as the sedative effects can impair your ability to travel safely. 

What to bring

• Health (OHIP) card or valid health-care coverage
• Someone to help you get home, as the sedation may impair your ability to travel safely

How to access our services

 You need a referral from a health-care provider to be seen at Endoscopy. Visit our referral criteria for more information.