What Causes Blood In Phlegm Post Gallbladder Removal?

Posted on Fri, 9 Dec 2016

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

Fri, 9 Dec 2016 Answered on

Thu, 29 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Im 3 days post op from gallbladder removal anf I have specks of blood in my phlegm, is that still from the intubation or does that indicate an infection?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (-1 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome

I appreciate your concern

The specks of blood which you referred to are likely to be due to the intubation.

Post operative broad spectrum antibiotics are usually prescribed after cholecystectomy to prevent / treat possible infections. If so then there is no need to worry. The antibiotics should be completed and they will cover for any infective cause.

If you aren't using any antibiotics or have a fever in association with these symptoms then you should call your doctor immediately to start you on antibiotics and probably an early followup visit, too.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy