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What Causes Blood In Stool After Hernia Surgery?
Posted on
Mon, 2 Apr 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 2 Apr 2018
Answered on
Thu, 17 Aug 2023
Last reviewed on
Question : I had hernia surgery two days ago. I see blood in stool. Is it normal?
Brief Answer:
CBC would be a good test to be done if you suspect bleeding. Compare the level of hemoglobin from the last report if there is a sudden fall in hemoglobin levels then it could be blood.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There are a few things to consider when a person had a recent surgery complains of blood in stools.
The first thing is if it is really blood. There are some food and medications which may give the impression it is blood and in fact, it is not. Unless it bright red blood (which is clear that it is blood). Other times the way to know if you are bleeding or not is having a stool occult blood test or stool microscopy that will confirm the presence of blood with the stools.
A CBC would be a good test to be done if you suspect bleeding. Compare the level of hemoglobin from the last report if there is a sudden fall in hemoglobin levels then it could be blood.
So to conclude:
1. We need to be sure you are bleeding or not- a stool test like fecal occult blood test and or stool microscopy for blood will help in this.
2. If it is confirmed you should immediately report back to the surgeon to look for bleeding point.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist
CBC would be a good test to be done if you suspect bleeding. Compare the level of hemoglobin from the last report if there is a sudden fall in hemoglobin levels then it could be blood.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
There are a few things to consider when a person had a recent surgery complains of blood in stools.
The first thing is if it is really blood. There are some food and medications which may give the impression it is blood and in fact, it is not. Unless it bright red blood (which is clear that it is blood). Other times the way to know if you are bleeding or not is having a stool occult blood test or stool microscopy that will confirm the presence of blood with the stools.
A CBC would be a good test to be done if you suspect bleeding. Compare the level of hemoglobin from the last report if there is a sudden fall in hemoglobin levels then it could be blood.
So to conclude:
1. We need to be sure you are bleeding or not- a stool test like fecal occult blood test and or stool microscopy for blood will help in this.
2. If it is confirmed you should immediately report back to the surgeon to look for bleeding point.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
If it is real blood, then you asked me to go back to the surgeon to look for the bleeding point. Do you mean the surgeon who did the inguinal hernia surgery?
Also, I was constipated for 6 days. Therefore I used anima. I felt pain inserting the tube into my behind. Do you think it might have ruptured a blood vessel? Is there a way to find that out? Thank you for your help.
Also, I was constipated for 6 days. Therefore I used anima. I felt pain inserting the tube into my behind. Do you think it might have ruptured a blood vessel? Is there a way to find that out? Thank you for your help.
Brief Answer:
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Most likely while inserting the tube for enema you have injured your mucosal lining therefore fresh blood can be seen.
Rx
Nothing needs to be done.
To keep stool soft and ease defecation you can use any laxative like lactulose.
Straining will cause mucosa to bleed again. So laxative is the only treatment required.
However, if this continues then go for a proctoscopic examination of the rectum by a surgeon.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Most likely while inserting the tube for enema you have injured your mucosal lining therefore fresh blood can be seen.
Rx
Nothing needs to be done.
To keep stool soft and ease defecation you can use any laxative like lactulose.
Straining will cause mucosa to bleed again. So laxative is the only treatment required.
However, if this continues then go for a proctoscopic examination of the rectum by a surgeon.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Answered by
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