Colorectal Diagnostic Assessment Program (DAP)
Navigating care can be challenging for patients, so the Colorectal Diagnostic Assessment Program provides a coordinated and streamlined approach to their journey.
Our goal is to ensure patients are well supported through the diagnostic phase in a timely manner. Our DAP team supports patients from diagnosis to treatment as efficiently as possible. We provide high quality care in a smooth and coordinated fashion to achieve the best possible outcome and experience.
Our DAP serves:
- Patients with colorectal symptoms that are concerning– like a positive Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) or other clinical symptoms that need to be investigated in a rapid manner
- Patients newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer
Treatment
If a cancer is found, this program is the centralized entry-point into our internationally recognized colorectal cancer program. Mount Sinai Hospital cares for patients with even the most complex colorectal cancers, and our colorectal surgical team is the largest in the GTA. Our surgeons perform advanced laparoscopic and reconstructive procedures and are leaders in the management of both early and advanced colon and rectal cancer including recurrent rectal cancer, carcinomatosis and hereditary colorectal cancer. Our medical oncologists are involved in research of colorectal cancer.
The Colorectal Diagnostic Assessment Program (DAP) at Mount Sinai Hospital is the first contact point for our services for patients with (or suspected of having) colorectal cancer.
The Diagnostic Assessment Program identifies and diagnoses abnormalities of the colon and rectum using state-of-the-art colonoscopy. Colonoscopy involves passing a tiny video camera inside the colon and rectum. The Program’s endoscopists are leaders in the field and, between them, perform over 3,000 colonoscopies a year.
If colorectal cancer is discovered, the DAP team will seamlessly continue to support the patient through to the next steps of care.
Timely and responsive care is very important to us. Every referral is assessed for urgency level and scheduled as quickly as possible. Our DAP coordinator will contact you to schedule your appointment within 3-4 business days.
Nurses and physicians work closely with patients to ensure their comfort during the procedure. Most patients receive pain medication and/or sedative prior to a colonoscopy. These medicines help patients relax and feel sleepy during the test, and many patients don’t remember the procedure when they wake up. Patients may feel groggy / sleepy after the test. In most cases, patients receive conscious sedation which is lighter than a general anesthesia, but patients are not fully aware of what is happening and often have no memory of the procedure after fully awakening.
You will be provided with important and detailed instructions for your procedure, based on your individual needs. Preparation will involve using over-the-counter laxatives and being on a clear fluid diet for a time period before the colonoscopy appointment. Proper preparation before this procedure is very important – so if you have questions, please ask.
The doctor will discuss the test with you following the colonoscopy and inform you of any next steps before you leave your appointment.
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Coming to the Hospital
Before your visit, review the list of information on what to bring, where to park and what to expect
