Colonoscopy at Toronto General Hospital

Colonoscopy is a specialized diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used to examine the inner lining of the rectum and entire colon. It can help investigate symptoms such as rectal bleeding, persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal discomfort and unexplained anemia, while also allowing specialists to identify and remove certain polyps or obtain tissue samples when clinically indicated.

Price

Price on Request

Why Price on Request?

The cost of colonoscopy varies according to the reason for the procedure, specialist assessment, preparation requirements, sedation or anesthesia, biopsy or polyp removal, pathology testing and any additional investigations or treatment required. A personalized cost estimate can be provided after medical assessment.

Complete Description

What Is a Colonoscopy?

A Colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure that allows a specialist to examine the lining of the large intestine using a flexible instrument equipped with a camera.

The examination can assess the:

• Rectum

• Colon

• Large intestine

• Terminal ileum when clinically appropriate

Colonoscopy may be performed for diagnostic, screening or therapeutic purposes.

Who May Need a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy may be recommended for patients with:

• Rectal bleeding

• Persistent changes in bowel habits

• Chronic diarrhea

• Unexplained constipation

• Abdominal pain

• Unexplained iron-deficiency anemia

• Unexplained weight loss

• Suspected inflammatory bowel disease

• Abnormal findings from other gastrointestinal investigations

• A need for colorectal cancer screening

The decision to perform colonoscopy depends on the patient's age, symptoms, medical history and clinical assessment.

Colonoscopy for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colonoscopy can be used to examine the colon for abnormalities that may represent precancerous changes or colorectal cancer.

During the procedure, specialists may identify:

• Polyps

• Abnormal tissue

• Bleeding sources

• Inflammation

• Tumors

• Other changes in the intestinal lining

Screening recommendations depend on individual risk factors and applicable clinical guidelines.

Evaluation of Rectal Bleeding

Colonoscopy may help investigate unexplained rectal bleeding.

Possible causes can include:

• Hemorrhoids

• Polyps

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Diverticular disease

• Colorectal tumors

• Other gastrointestinal conditions

Further evaluation is based on the patient's symptoms and examination findings.

Evaluation of Changes in Bowel Habits

Persistent changes in bowel habits may require specialist investigation.

Colonoscopy can help evaluate symptoms such as:

• Persistent diarrhea

• Chronic constipation

• Alternating diarrhea and constipation

• Changes in stool characteristics

• Increased bowel frequency

• Other unexplained bowel changes

Colonoscopy for Abdominal Symptoms

Patients with unexplained lower abdominal symptoms may undergo colonoscopy when clinically appropriate.

The procedure may help investigate:

• Persistent abdominal pain

• Lower abdominal discomfort

• Bloating associated with other concerning symptoms

• Unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms

Additional investigations may be recommended depending on the clinical presentation.

Colonoscopy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Colonoscopy may be used to diagnose and monitor inflammatory bowel diseases such as:

• Crohn's disease

• Ulcerative colitis

The procedure may help assess:

• Intestinal inflammation

• Disease extent

• Mucosal changes

• Treatment response

• Disease progression

Biopsies may be taken when clinically indicated.

Polyp Detection and Removal

During colonoscopy, specialists may identify polyps within the colon.

When appropriate, certain polyps can be removed during the same procedure using specialized endoscopic techniques.

Removed tissue may be sent for pathology examination to determine its nature.

Biopsy During Colonoscopy

A biopsy may be performed when abnormal tissue or inflammation requires further evaluation.

Biopsy samples can help investigate:

• Inflammation

• Precancerous changes

• Cancer

• Microscopic bowel conditions

• Other abnormalities

The decision to perform a biopsy depends on findings during the procedure.

Colonoscopy Preparation

Proper bowel preparation is essential for a successful colonoscopy.

Preparation instructions may include:

• Temporary dietary modifications

• Use of prescribed bowel-cleansing medication

• Adjustments to certain medications when medically appropriate

• Maintaining adequate hydration

• Following specific instructions provided before the procedure

Patients should follow the preparation instructions provided by their healthcare team.

Sedation and Anesthesia

Depending on the patient's circumstances and the procedure, sedation or anesthesia may be used to improve comfort.

The appropriate approach depends on:

• Medical history

• Procedure requirements

• Patient factors

• Clinical assessment

The healthcare team provides specific instructions before the procedure.

Colonoscopy Procedure

During colonoscopy, a flexible endoscope is carefully introduced through the rectum and advanced through the colon.

The specialist examines the intestinal lining for abnormalities and may perform:

• Biopsy

• Polyp removal

• Other therapeutic procedures when appropriate

The procedure is performed under appropriate medical monitoring.

Post-Colonoscopy Care

After the procedure, patients may receive instructions regarding:

• Recovery from sedation

• Diet

• Medication

• Activity

• Possible temporary abdominal discomfort

• Follow-up arrangements

• Pathology results when tissue has been collected

Patients should follow the post-procedure instructions provided by their healthcare team.

Colonoscopy and Pathology Testing

If a biopsy or polyp is removed, the tissue may be sent for laboratory pathology assessment.

Pathology may help determine whether the tissue shows:

• Benign changes

• Inflammation

• Precancerous changes

• Cancerous changes

• Other abnormalities

Further treatment or surveillance may be recommended based on the results.

Advanced Colonoscopy

Some patients may require more specialized endoscopic evaluation or treatment.

Advanced procedures may be considered for selected cases involving:

• Complex polyps

• Difficult-to-access lesions

• Suspected gastrointestinal tumors

• Other complex colorectal abnormalities

The appropriate procedure depends on specialist assessment.

Colonoscopy Second Opinion

Patients may seek a colonoscopy second opinion regarding:

• Previous colonoscopy findings

• Polyps

• Biopsy results

• Abnormal imaging

• Recommended surveillance

• Suspected inflammatory bowel disease

• Colorectal cancer concerns

• Recommended treatment

Relevant endoscopy reports, pathology results and imaging can be reviewed during specialist assessment.

International Patient Colonoscopy

International patients seeking colonoscopy in Canada should provide relevant medical documentation whenever available.

Useful records may include:

• Previous colonoscopy reports

• Endoscopy images or reports

• Pathology reports

• Blood test results

• CT or MRI reports

• Previous gastrointestinal consultations

• Medication list

• Previous treatment records

Complete documentation can assist specialists in determining the appropriate diagnostic pathway.

Benefits of Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy may help:

• Examine the colon directly

• Investigate gastrointestinal symptoms

• Detect colorectal abnormalities

• Identify polyps

• Remove selected polyps

• Obtain tissue biopsies

• Evaluate inflammatory bowel disease

• Investigate sources of intestinal bleeding

• Support colorectal cancer screening

• Guide further treatment planning

Why Choose Toronto General Hospital for Colonoscopy?

Toronto General Hospital (TGH) is part of University Health Network (UHN) and provides specialized care for complex gastrointestinal conditions.

Patients requiring colonoscopy may be assessed through relevant gastroenterology and endoscopy services according to their symptoms, medical history and clinical requirements.

The need for colonoscopy and any additional endoscopic procedures is determined by specialist assessment.

Cost & Price on Request

Price: Price on Request

The total cost depends on the procedure and additional services required.

Potential costs may include:

• Gastroenterology consultation

• Colonoscopy procedure

• Bowel preparation

• Sedation or anesthesia

• Biopsy

• Polyp removal

• Pathology testing

• Additional imaging

• Follow-up consultation

A personalized cost estimate can be requested following specialist assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can a colonoscopy detect?

A colonoscopy can help detect polyps, inflammation, bleeding sources, abnormal tissue, colorectal tumors and other abnormalities affecting the colon and rectum.

2. Can polyps be removed during a colonoscopy?

Yes. Certain polyps can be removed during the procedure when clinically appropriate, and the tissue may then be sent for pathology testing.

3. Is bowel preparation required before colonoscopy?

Yes. Proper bowel preparation is generally required so that the specialist can clearly examine the lining of the colon.

4. Can colonoscopy be used for colorectal cancer screening?

Yes. Colonoscopy can be used as a colorectal cancer screening and diagnostic procedure depending on individual risk factors and clinical recommendations.

5. Can international patients receive colonoscopy in Canada?

International patients may request colonoscopy and specialist assessment subject to applicable hospital processes, medical requirements, eligibility and program availability.

Product Details

Product Name: Colonoscopy

Hospital: Toronto General Hospital

Brand: Toronto General Hospital

Country: Canada

Specialty: Gastroenterology & Hepatology

Service Type: Diagnostic & Therapeutic Endoscopy

Customer-Facing Price: Price on Request

International Patients: Subject to applicable eligibility and program requirements

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada