We need to know if you take blood thinners or diabetic medication before you book, or if you have a kidney or seizure disorder.
           If you have Sleep apnea bring your CPAP machine.    

Purchase a box (2 sachets) of PICO-SALAX.  At any pharmacy. No prescription is necessary.  Follow OUR instructions, not the ones in the box.  

Avoid seeds, nuts, and vegetables for 3 days before the procedure.  If you are prone to constipation or have diabetes take 2 Dulcolax tablets 2 nights before.  The WHOLE day before the colonoscopy (even breakfast) you may have only clear fluids.  This includes Jello, strained broth (no noodles), consommé soups, apple juice, clear tea, clear coffee, ginger ale, 7-Up, and water.  DO NOT eat solid food or drink milk.  Please avoid red liquids.   

Take one Pico-Salax sachet at 6-8 PM the evening before, and take the second sachet in the morning 4-5 hours before your procedure.    

You must consume 6-8 glasses of clear fluid after each dose. Make all attempts to get this done within an hour or two.  Sports drinks such as Gatorade should be used to replace electrolytes.  Visualization of your bowel and polyp detection depends on flushing plenty of fluid.  If you are not well cleaned out the procedure may have to be repeated.  

You should have nothing by mouth for two hours before coming in for the procedure.  

The day of the colonoscopy:  Wear short sleeves and loose fitting clothes.  Take your normal medications with sips.  You will be receiving sedation and need to arrange for another adult to come upstairs to take you home. You cannot take a Taxi, unless accompanied by another adult.  You will NOT be able to drive until the next day. The sedation will impair your memory, co- ordination, concentration & judgment for several hours even when you feel normal.  

AFTER COLONOSCOPY:  It is normal to have mild cramping & to pass air.  A warm bath can help this.  You may return to your normal diet immediately.   

** Call the Institute at 905 947 9437 during working hours, or go to the nearest emergency department, if you notice abdominal pain, fever, vomiting or blood in the stools.  These could be the first signs of a complication.  

There is a 1:2000 chance of perforating the colon, and a 1:500 chance of bleeding if polypectomy is performed. No test is perfect, even colonoscopy can have a 3% miss rate.  

​1 WEEK NOTICE IS REQUIRED FOR A CANCELLATION OR THERE WILL BE A $200 FEE CHARGED DIRECTLY TO THE PATIENT. 

Colonoscopy

Call Us:  +1.9059479437

Intestinal Health Institute 

Below you will find information about how to prepare for your colonoscopy. You should only do this if you have been seen in consultation first, or specifically told to do so by our office.

We do NOT want you to come in to the office having taken the preparation when you are scheduled for an initial consultation.