Experiencing Blood in Stool Following Colonoscopy and Polyp Excision
Greetings, I'm a 33-year-old male and underwent a colonoscopy five days ago. Today marked my second instance of having a bowel movement. While I did exert some effort during the process, I noticed a significant amount of blood in the toilet and on the tissue. During the colonoscopy, a 10mm polyp was removed, and a hemostatic clip was applied at the removal site. Is this bleeding a common occurrence? Could it be that the clip has dislodged? I've already reached out to my physician and am currently waiting for their reply. Should I consider going to the emergency room? Thank you for your assistance!
Answers (1)
6/15/2025, 11:01:19 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned after noticing blood in your stool following a recent colonoscopy and polyp removal. While some minor bleeding can occur after such procedures, significant bleeding, as you described, is not typical and should be evaluated promptly.
Explanation:
After a colonoscopy, especially following polyp excision, it is common to experience some light bleeding or spotting. However, if you notice a substantial amount of blood, this could indicate a few possibilities, such as:
- Post-procedural bleeding: This can occur at the site where the polyp was removed, and while the hemostatic clip is designed to prevent this, there’s still a possibility of bleeding.
- Hemorrhoids or anal fissures: Sometimes straining during a bowel movement can lead to bleeding from other sources in the lower gastrointestinal tract.
- Other complications: Rarely, bleeding may indicate a more serious complication.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to the amount and color of the blood. If it’s bright red (indicating fresh blood) or if it's accompanied by significant pain, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms, it is essential to act quickly.
- Emergency Care: Given the amount of blood you mentioned, I recommend being evaluated in an emergency room. It’s better to err on the side of caution, especially since you have had a recent procedure that can complicate the situation.
- Keep Hydrated: While waiting for medical assistance, ensure you stay hydrated.
- Avoid Straining: To minimize further bleeding, try to avoid straining with bowel movements. If you’re having difficulty, consider gentle softeners for your stool, but discuss this with your healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Your health and well-being are paramount, and it’s good that you've already reached out to your physician. Getting prompt care is very important in this scenario. Please take care and don't hesitate to seek help if your symptoms worsen before you hear back from your doctor.
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