Procedure Day: What to Expect
Knowing what to expect makes procedure day calmer and smoother. Here's the flow, start to finish.
Arrival & check-in
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Bring ID, OHIP card, and your driver
- Change into a gown; jewelry and valuables stay with your driver
Before the procedure
- Nurse review of medications, allergies, and prep
- IV placement for sedation
- Brief meeting with your gastroenterologist and anesthesia team
The procedure
- Gentle sedation is administered
- You lie on your side; the exam is completed by trained specialists
- Typically 20–40 minutes (colonoscopy) or 10–20 minutes (gastroscopy)
Recovery & discharge
- You'll wake up in the recovery area
- A written report is reviewed with you and your driver
- Plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day
You must have a responsible adult with you to drive you home. Rideshare services are not accepted for post-sedation discharge.