To schedule a consultation, you will need a referral to see the colorectal surgeon, who is a specialist. If you do not have a referral, you can get one from a general practitioner, your family doctor, or a walk-in clinic. You can also inquire about our private clinic option, which does not require a referral.

You can email us a copy of your referral at admin@wicolorectal.ca. Make sure it includes your full name, RAMQ card and expiration date, home address, and phone number. You can also fax your referral at (514) 694-8585 or drop it off in person at 175 Stillview, Suite 200, Pointe-Claire, QC.

*** If you are taking any blood thinners or are using a wheelchair, please indicate this in the email. We will need this information to book your appointment at the appropriate time and place to best serve you.

It is best to contact our office by calling (514) 694-4848 and leaving a voicemail or emailing us at admin@wicolorectal.ca to notify us of your cancellation or need to reschedule. If necessary, we will contact you back with an alternative date and time.

A Consultation with the colorectal surgeon includes a discussion with the doctor, a physical examination that includes an anoproctoscopy, and any agreed-upon procedures that can be done in the clinic unless otherwise indicated by the doctor.

Please take into consideration the following steps when preparing for your consultation:

1. Please advise the team if you are taking a blood thinner or using a wheelchair, as both will affect the date and time and preparation process for your appointment.
2. Please make sure to do your 2 fleet enemas before your appointment unless explicitly mentioned by the doctor or the booking team.
3. Wear pants or a skirt/dress that is easy to remove.
4. Make sure you bring your valid RAMQ or medicare card to the appointment.
5. You can come either alone or accompanied, as you prefer.
6. You can take 1 Tylenol and 1 Advil before your appointment.
7. Some of our patients wear an adult diaper for more comfort and security.
8. Bring reading material in case the waiting times are higher than anticipated.
9. If you are coming during the winter season, please bring a second pair of shoes, as we ask all patients to remove their outdoor boots before they walk in.

In our public clinic, if you have not seen the colorectal surgeon in 2 years, unless following a determined FU schedule set by the doctor, you will need a new referral.

In our private clinic, no referral is needed to book an appointment with the colorectal surgeon, no matter how long it has been since your last visit.

The Fleet Enema is the preparation required for the consultation with the doctor, which includes an anoproctoscopy. The fleet is done to clear out and empty the rectum and ensure the doctor can see the state of the rectum and colon during the physical examination. The first fleet enema must be done a minimum of 2 hours before leaving the house, and the second must be done a minimum of 1 hour before leaving the house. You can do the fleet earlier than the recommended time if that is more convenient for you, as long as it’s not done later than recommended.

Make sure to get the Fleet Sodium Phosphates Enema and NOT the Mineral Oil Fleet. You can get it at most pharmacies, and you do not need a prescription to obtain it. If you prefer, an alternative fleet enema is available—the tap water fleet enema.

The Tap water enema is an alternative to the Sodium Phosphates fleet enema. Some patients prefer this alternative, as the tap water enema is gentler on the system, even though it is a little more complex to set up. The tap water enema kit can be purchased from the pharmacy. On the day of your appointment, you must perform two enemas, each with 500ml (about 2 cups) of warm tap water. The enema usually takes 15 minutes to work but may take up to an hour. Start the first enema 2 hours before leaving the house and the second 1 hour before leaving the house.

Fill the enema bag with 500ml (about 2 cups) of warm tap water. Do not use hot water. Hang the enema on a nail, hook, or solid shower rod, or have someone hold it about 12 to 19 inches above your rectum. Lie on your left side with your knees bent toward your chest. You may choose to perform the enema in the washroom. Remove the enema tip. Gently insert the enema tips about 3 to 4 inches into your rectum. Open the clamp and allow the water to flow slowly into your rectum. Hold the water in your rectum for as long as possible – at least 15 minutes – then expel it into the toilet. Do the second enema after you have evacuated the water from the first one.

No, please let the medication do its intended work, making sure it empties the entire rectum.

The fleet preparations are simpler than the preparations for a colonoscopy. The fleet preparations require two enemas. The first is done 2 hours before leaving the house. The second is done 1 hour before leaving the house. You can do the fleet earlier than the recommended time if that is more convenient for you.

A Colonoscopy is a more complex procedure done through the anus, requiring oral preparation and sedation.

No

This really is at your discretion. Many of our patients come alone to their appointments, and others prefer to be accompanied. You should be able to drive yourself back, as no anesthesia is required for the appointment. 

You must contact our office at (514) 694-4848 and leave a voicemail with your detailed request or email admin@wicolorectal.ca . Please note that doctor’s notes are only written for patients being seen by our doctors and include a $50 charge in our public clinic.

Please send us a copy of your insurance form with the patient section filled out, and we will ensure the doctor fills out the medical professional section. Please note that the fee to have the doctor fill out the insurance forms is $95.

We ask that you confirm with your insurance to determine what is covered, as each insurance company proceeds differently.

At West Island Colorectal Clinic we are not in charge of the colonoscopies or bookings/schedules in the public system. Once we have sent out the referral for your colonoscopy, we ask that you wait to be contacted by the hospital or endoscopy clinic for your scheduled colonoscopy date/time.

Yes, you need to sign a new consent form for all private clinic appointments. The consent is valid for the day’s appointment.