North York Endoscopy Centre, within the Champagne Centre, currently has seven experienced gastroenterologists on staff, as well as six general surgeons. North York Endoscopy welcomes referrals for all problems related to the gastrointestinal system, including nutritional concerns. Through consultations and endoscopy performed at the centre some of the more common conditions that can be diagnosed and/or treated include gastro-esophageal reflux, ulcers, colon cancer, Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis.
North York Endoscopy Centre also meets the needs of patients requiring screening for colorectal cancer (CRC). The Canadian Task Force on Preventative Health Care has estimated that in Canada 17,000 cases CRC occur each year and 6500 die annually from this disease. The task force recommends screening through colonoscopy as a valid preventative measure. Screening for CRC will be done at North York Endoscopy Centre by colonoscopy using propofol anesthesia given by a qualified anesthetist and experienced endoscopist, making the procedure safe and completely painless. We welcome patients who are afraid to undergo screening because of possible discomfort. The procedure is done in comfortable and private surroundings with the latest technology scopes
The North York Endoscopy Centre offers the following. Click on a tab to learn more:
Gastroenterology or General Surgical Consultation
Gastroenterology and General Surgical consultations are available on a referral basis only. Generally, you must complete a consultation before booking an appointment at the Endoscopy Centre.
For your Gastroenterology Consultation/General Surgical Consultation, you will be asked various questions about your medical history for our physicians to determine the proper diagnostic procedures to perform. At your consultation you will be asked to bring your health card and the list of medications you are currently taking.
At your consultation, the physician and staff will explain to you the details of the procedures to be performed and book the date of your procedure.
Gastroscopy Procedure
A Gastroscopy (also known as an EGD) is a very low risk procedure done by our doctors to examine the inside of your stomach. Gastroscopies are often done when you are suffering from heartburn, acid reflux, abdominal pain or difficulty swallowing.
Description of Test
You will first receive an intravenous sedative/anaesthesia. In order to asses your stomach and the examine the stomach wall lining, the endoscopist will pass a flexible fiberoptic camera through your throat and into your stomach. The physician may also take a small tissue sample for microscopic examination. This is a commonly performed low-risk test. Be prepared to be at the clinic for about 2.5 hours.
Instructions
- You may feel some discomfort in your throat when you awake but this should disappear soon.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the procedure. You need to have an empty stomach for the procedure.
- Do not take any blood thinning or iron medication 5 days before the test.
- Arrange for transportation to and from the appointment because you will not be able to drive afterwards.
- If you are having this procedure please make sure to read the information sheet with further details found here.
Colonoscopy Procedure
Colonoscopies are often done to investigate blood in the stool, abdominal pain, bowel problems, or abnormalities found in an x-ray. Colonoscopies are a very low-risk procedure when completed by an endoscopist with the proper training. Colonoscopies also play an important role in the early detection of serious illnesses like colorectal cancer.
Description of Test
You are first given an intravenous sedative/anesthesia to reduce/avoid discomfort during the procedure. Then, while you are lying in a comfortable position, the colonoscope is inserted into the rectum and gradually advanced through the colon. Examination usually occurs when the instrument is slowly withdrawn after being fully inserted along the length of the colon. The physician may also take a small tissue sample from the lining of your colon for microscopic examination.
Instructions
You will need to get 4L of Peglyte from your local pharmacy. You will be asked to dissolve the contents, 1 Peglyte at a time into 1L of water and drink a cup every 15 minutes until all 4L are done. This should start at 2:00 p.m. the night before the procedure.
Do not eat anything and only drink clear liquids the day before the procedure. Clear liquids include: Strained fruit juices with no pulp (apple, white grape), Gatorade, Lemonade, Popsicles, and Ice.
Stop taking any blood thinning or iron medication 5 day before your procedure.
Do not eat or drink after midnight the day before the procedure
If you are having this procedure please make sure to read the information sheet with further details found here.
Ano-Rectal and Minor Surgical Clinic
Ano-rectal examinations are an essential health measure to diagnose potentially life-threatening diseases. These examinations become even more important for patients aged 50+. Having our highly-trained physician perform an ano-rectal exam will result in little to no pain, and can potentially detect a cancerous lesion.
Minor surgical procedures performed within our Ano-Rectal Clinic include:
Incision and draining of abscess
- Incision and draining of abscess
- Excision of cysts and lipomas (uninsured charges may apply)
- Suture of laceration
- Removal of mole and skin lesions for excision biopsy
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Proctoscopy
- Biopsy of anal and rectal lesions
- Treatment of hemorrhoids by banding and cryotherapy
- Prolapsed irreducible hemorrhoid requiring limited haemorrhoidectomy
- Low level anal fistula requiring fistulotomy
- Acute anal fissures lateral internal sphincterotomy
- Anal polyps and large skin tags
- Ano-Rectal ultrasound
If you are having this procedure please make sure to read the information sheet with further details found here.
