Colonoscopy

The RocklandMD Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Centre offers quick appointments for anyone needing to undergo a colonoscopy. This service is offered at the RocklandMD Town of Mount Royal location.

A colonoscopy is an endoscopic exam, during which the physician, assisted by a nurse, uses a thin, flexible probe with a camera (endoscope) to visualize the interior of the rectum and colon. The procedure is used to screen and diagnose certain problems of the colon such as (but not limited to) colon cancer and in some cases treat them.

One or several biopsies may sometimes have to be done during the procedure. They are sent to pathology for analysis. Pathology reports are available 2 to 4 weeks following the procedure.

A colonoscopy is a standard procedure that carries very little risk. Although rare, these risks may include:

  • Perforation (tear) of the colon wall during the procedure (approximately 1 in 1500 cases) or when a polyp is removed (1 person in 500 cases). Should this happen, a surgical intervention may be required to close the perforation.
  • Bleeding may occur (in approximately 1 in 2000 cases) and when a polyp is removed (1 in 500 cases).
  • A transfusion of blood products, or more rarely, surgery may be needed to control the bleeding.
  • An allergic reaction to medication administered (rash, fever, itching.)
  • A lump or swelling that is tender to touch may appear at the insertion site of the intravenous catheter. This usually lasts for a short period of time (few days) but can remain longer. Warm wet compresses may be applied to relieve the discomfort and the swelling.
  • Stroke and/or cardiac problems may occur in patients who are known to have pre-existing cardiac conditions; however this is highly unlikely and occurs in very rarely.

In medicine, no specific exam is full-proof. In very rare cases (2-6%), polyps and/or cancers may go by undetected, resulting in false negative results


Once your colonoscopy is done and you are ready to leave the Centre, you will be given contact information allowing you to reach a nurse 24/7 should you have any concerns.

For more informations on the preparation, click here

Testimonials

? I would like to say a special thanks to Marc, the respiratory therapist who made me feel very comfortable = asleep, during my colonoscopy. It is really the best place for that type of exam.... Read more ?

D.D