Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a procedure that allows viewing the inside of an organ such as the stomach and bowel. A thin flexible tube with a camera attached is inserted in a natural opening (mouth, anus) to reach the organ to examine. The images are transmitted on a screen.

Endoscopy is used to diagnose inflammations, tumours, polyps and cancers. The procedure can also be used to remove a small tumour or perform a biopsy. There are several types of endoscopic procedures, each with a specific name.

  • A colon examination is a colonoscopy.
  • The esophagus or stomach examination is a gastroscopy.

Endoscopy procedures are provided by Perioperative Services.

How to access our services?

You must have a referral from your physician to book an appointment with a surgeon from HGH Ambulatory Clinics.

About The Program

Before your appointment

  1. You physician will send an endoscopy consultation request with a surgeon.
  2. After the initial consultation with the surgeon, if you do need the procedure, we will call you to confirm the date of your endoscopy. It could take from 8 to 26 weeks before we call you.
  3. The wait time for your endoscopy will depend on the priority code assigned to your case. Urgent cases are treated first. HGH meets Cancer Care Ontario target wait times.

When you arrive

  • Please register at the self-service kiosk in the main entrance 60 minutes before your scheduled exam.

What to bring

  • Valid Health Card
  • List of all your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal medicines

Preparation and procedure

  • You must be fasting before the endoscopy. Depending on the type of examination, you may need to take a bowel preparation. You will receive instructions specific to your condition before the procedure.
  • For general information to prepare for surgery, please visit Perioperative Services.
  • The procedure takes from 15 to 30 minutes, but you will spend from 2 to 3 hours in the hospital when including registration and recovery time.

Test results

  • The surgeon will give you the preliminary results of the procedure. He will also send a report to your physician.