Are Dark Stools Post A Gall Bladder Surgery A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Mon, 2 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 2 May 2016 Answered on

Tue, 21 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife had her gall bladder removed and also an records to remove bile duct stones 5 days after the surgery we noticed her stool was dark and there was blood in it is this a concern or can it happen sometimes she has been eating ok

Answered by Dr. Neel Kudchadkar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Melena (blood in stool) and dark coloration - effects of cholecystectomy.

Detailed Answer:
Hi!

It is normal in the sort of cholecystectomy that your wife has undergone, to get bile pigments excreted in the stool, and for there to be a fair amount of bleeding. This is among the risks of gall bladder removal, and I would state that the situation is self resolving. If you are very concerned, then you might wish to revisit the surgeon for a follow up. However, I would be reassuring at this point.

Regards,
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar