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endoscopies
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the inside of the colon, also called the large intestine. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube with a small camera, called a colonoscope, is gently inserted through the rectum so the physician can view the lining of the colon on a video monitor.
This examination can help assess digestive symptoms, investigate changes in bowel habits, screen for colon cancer, and identify concerns such as polyps, inflammation, bleeding, or other abnormalities affecting the colon.
A colonoscopy is largely used to determine whether or not there are changes or abnormalities in the large intestine.
Our doctors examine the area for symptoms such as bleeding, stool changes, frequent abdominal or intestinal pain, or other symptoms that may point to medical conditions affecting the colon, including colorectal polyps, inflammatory diseases like ulcerative colitis, or signs of possible colon cancer or colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy is also commonly used for possible colorectal cancer screening, particularly for patients with a family history, since colorectal cancer remains a commonly diagnosed form of cancer.
Usually, it is recommended that adults start regularly getting colonoscopies at the age of 45, but they are also used to screen patients as part of the bowel preparation before surgery. For example, if a patient chooses to undergo bariatric surgery at our private clinic, a colonoscopy may be required beforehand so our team can confirm there are no underlying conditions affecting the colon before the procedure.
Choosing a private colonoscopy in Montreal can offer faster access to care in a dedicated clinical environment. At our private colonoscopy clinic, appointments can often be arranged within days or weeks rather than months, depending on availability and clinical needs.
Patients also benefit from direct access with no referral needed, a comfortable day procedure setting, and care provided by an experienced colonoscopy team. The procedure itself remains a medical examination, but the private setting helps make the process more timely, accessible, and coordinated from consultation to follow-up.
In order to undergo a colonoscopy, it is important you follow the careful instructions of your healthcare team. We will instruct you to prepare your bowels before your colonoscopy procedure. If your bowels are not clean, your colonoscopy will not be successful, the cleaner your bowels, the better chance our team will have at finding and diagnosing abnormal symptoms. Therefore, we advise patients to eat a low-fiber diet a few days before the surgery, and no solid food or alcohol the day before the surgery. You may drink clear liquids (water, black coffee, tea, soft drinks, juice, and broths) as well as eat foods like JELL-O and Popsicles. You should not eat or drink at least four hours before the procedure. If you are undergoing general anesthesia, do not drink anything after midnight on the night preceding your colonoscopy.
You may need to take antibiotics before surgery. Routine blood work is usually not needed, but may be ordered prior to surgery based on the patient's age and the presence of any existing medical problems.
A colonoscopy is a minor kind of surgery, and is done on an outpatient basis (you will be able to go home after the surgery is completed). Before your surgery, a nurse or doctor will plan the and clean the site, and consult with you for any questions you may have. General anesthesia will then be administered under the supervision of an anesthesiologist and your surgeon.
The procedure itself usually takes 15-60 minutes to perform. Typically, your doctor will give you a heads up on how long the procedure should last.
Patients are positioned on their left side or back for the procedure. The colonoscope is then gently inserted through the rectum and advanced through the colon until the cecum is reached. As the scope is slowly withdrawn, the doctor examines the lining of the colon on a video monitor to look for polyps, inflammation, bleeding, or other abnormalities.
If the entire colon cannot be clearly seen, your doctor may recommend another colonoscopy at a later date or order additional imaging, such as an X-ray or CT scan, to complete the assessment.
Recovery time for a colonoscopy will vary, but you should feel back to normal within a few hours. Residual pain may last up to a week after surgery. Soreness is common; however, let your doctor know if you experience swelling or excessive pain.
You will need to arrange for a ride home the day of your surgery, and we recommend someone stay with you for the first 24 hours at home. When you leave the facility after surgery, we will want you to go home and rest. Avoid making any other plans on the day of your surgery. Starting the following day, you can increase your activity as you feel up to it.
You will likely be given a prescription for pain medication following your surgery. The recovery nurse will discuss a pain control plan following surgery, specific to you and your needs. Oftentimes, we will recommend taking Tylenol and Advil (same as Motrin, Ibuprofen) or Aleve in addition to the narcotic pain medication.
At this time, you may also return to your normal eating habits. However, if polyps were removed or other special manipulations were performed, a certain diet may be prescribed.
Our private colonoscopy clinic in Montreal provides digestive endoscopy services, like gastroscopy, designed to support accurate diagnosis and evaluation of various medical conditions affecting digestive health. This medical imaging test plays an important role in colon cancer screening and in identifying conditions that may affect the large intestine, helping patients better understand their digestive health and maintain optimal gut health.
From your initial consultation through preparation, examination, and follow-up guidance, our dedicated team is committed to providing care in a professional, supportive environment focused on patient comfort and clarity.
Contact us if you have questions or would like to make an appointment today for a colonoscopy.
