What Causes Pain And Vaginal Bleeding After Gallbladder Surgery?

Posted on Mon, 3 Nov 2014

Question: I'm a 55 year old woman, had galblader surgery nearly 2 weeks ago, I'm healing well except for still being swollen from the gas. But the past couple of days ago I had stabbing pains in my lower abdomen, then they seemed like me steal cramps, now I have a bit of vaginal bleeding. No menstarting for close to 10 years.
Should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Abdominal pain/ post menopausal bleeding-concerned

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.

Looking at the clinical history and current symptoms, my opinion is as follows:

1. Any abdominal pain not related to surgery is definitely a matter of concern.

2. Having menstrual cramps/ sharp pain in abdomen requires repeat ultrasound. I suspect, they would have done a pap smear before your surgery, otherwise pap smear is essential.

3. Post menopausal bleeding requires pap smear to rule of either infection or cancer. Bleeding is not supposed to happen usually after ten years.

4. The pain would not be related to gall bladder as it is a recent onset, and numerous diagnosis can be thought particularly of uterus and ovaries. Hope you have no problems passing stools. If passing stools relieves pain, abdominal cramps can be explained.

5. Meet your doctor to get an repeat ultrasound of abdomen to rule out any intestinal pathology or uterus pathology. Repeat pap smear is essential to rule out any cervical pathology. Make sure it is vaginal bleeding and not urinary incontinence due to urinary tract infection. If not sure urine microscopy is necessary to rule out any urinary tract infection.

Hope it helps.

Any further queries, happy to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (40 minutes later)

Thanx for the reply I have had cervical cancer and endometriosis in the past. Reason for my concerns.
Maybe I do need to have another pap and Pelvic ultrasound done.
The pain is so reminiscent of menstral cramps.
No trouble with my bowels and no relief during or after a BM
Do you think it could have anything to do with the gas pumped in for surgery?

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No, its not. Required further evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.

Any gas anasthetic or others pumped during surgery would get absorbed, dissolved and would have moved out of the system. It would not be the cause.
I would strongly suggest a pap smear along with pelvic ultrasound, due to previous history.

Infections or otherwise required further evaluation.

Any further queries, happy to help again.

Take care.

Dr. Prakash HM

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar