Dr. Nanda Gopinath, M.D., F.R.C.P.
(C)
Gastroenterology & Internal Medicine
Medicine Professional Corporation
Suite 211-840 Coxwell Avenue, Toronto, M4C 5T2
tel: 416-463-6053
COLONOSCOPY APPOINTMENT:
Test Location: Toronto East General Hospital, 825 Coxwell Avenue-(closest entrance is off Coxwell Avenue)
Arrive at Admitting Dept (Main Floor) to register. Then you will be directed to the Endoscopy Dept..
Arrival Time: Due to wait lists, we cannot make changes to the date you have chosen for your test, except in person.
If an emergency arises we will do our best to accommodate you.
Please call the office at least 10 days ahead of time to confirm. If we dont hear from you, we may
cancel your scope, and leave a message at the telephone number you have given to us.
PREPARATION:
10 days before the test , please call the office at 416-463-6053 to confirm.
7-10 days pre Test:
Stop all iron pills 7 days before test. Get the laxatives. You will need to come in person to get
another script if you lose the original forms.
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For each of 2 and 3
Days Before Test:
For each of 2 and 3 days before the test, each day take 3 Senokot tablets at bedtime.
Eat your usual diet. Avoid excess seeds. This should not result in diarrohea.
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Take 3 Senokot tablets at 10:00 a.m. Eat a light breakfast (eggs, white bread are fine) but
(no seeds, no vegetables or salads). Boost/Ensure are fine for energy.
Day Before Test:
After breakfast take clear fluids only all day (clear soup, broth, pop, juice, jello, tea, coffee, etc.
milk is okay). Have one cup of orange juice or one banana to help keep the potassium level
normal.
Take 1 bottle Citro-Mag at 4 pm (300 ml) -it may taste better if chilled--with 1-2 liters of
Gatorade (avoid the red colour). Each patient is unique, but it generally takes 1-2 hours to work,
with the diarrhoea lasting for some 3-4 hours afterwards.
All these laxatives taste salty, and are better tolerated if chilled. The Gatorade minimizes risks of
dehydration. Clear apple juice is an alternative. Vaseline on toilet paper lessens anal chafing.
Meds : take all your usual medications all day. Take diabetic pills and insulin in the morning only.
Please take all your preparation as directed since polyps etc. can be missed if the bowel is not
completely clear of residue. If you have pain or vomiting with the prep, please go to the ER for
treatment, then complete the prep.
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Day of Test:
AFTER THE TEST:
June 6 , 2016
Take 1 bottle Citro-Mag by mouth at 4:00 am with -1 liter Gatorade (avoid red colour) or clear
apple juice. The diarrhoea usually finishes in 3-4 hours. Some may pass stool even at TEGH.
No breakfast or solid food until after the test. Water or black coffee/tea is OK (but no milk!).
Stop fluids 2 hours before arrival time at TEGH. Toilets are available in the hospital.
Meds : take all your usual morning BP and heart medications, but no water pills.
If diabetic, do not take meds or insulin, and check your sugar at home.
Bring a book if you wish as your test may be delayed if there are emergencies. At TEGH please go first
to the Admitting Dept. You will then go to the endo unit for the scope. You may still pass some stool
even after arrival in the endo unit. The procedure takes some 30 minutes. The total time spent in the
hospital is about 3 hours. You cannot drive home, or drive until the following morning.
As of June 10, if you receive any sedation for the test, you must have an escort pick you up from the
endoscopy unit to take you home. You cannot drive home after the test, and cannot drive until the
following morning. Please have someone pick you up.
The hospital notes that patients without an escort home may be cancelled, or receive no
sedation.
You can start eating 1 hour after the test, but avoid fatty food until the bloating has gone, then
resume usual diet and meds.
After the test, I will give you a brief written report. The full report takes 2-3 days to get sent
by fax to your doctor. It takes 7-10 days for biopsy reports to be sent by fax to your doctor.
After the test, in the rare event that you have severe pain, fever, or bleeding please go to the nearest
emergency room immediately and show them the report. The office cannot do the needed emergency
tests. Call the office only from the E.R.
Please do not hesitate to ask me or your family doctor if you have any questions about the test.
