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T o p i c :   Rectal Bleeding (2)

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Q: Today is one week since my colonoscopy and removal of a small benign polyp. Today I noticed a small amount of blood and clear mucuous in my stool. I has happened twice this morning and my intestines feel bad at that particular time. Now I feel okay and so do my intestines. Should this be something I should be alarmed and call my Dr. thanks.
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A: Any symptom that you are concerned about warrants reporting to the office of your physician.  Depending upon the specific findings of the colon and rectum examinations, the examining physician will know best whether the symptom is significant or not.  

It is not uncommon for the bowel prep (usually the worst part of the endoscopy procedure) to cause inflammation of the anus and rectum often times flaring previously asymptomatic hemorrhoids.  This often results in some perirectal irritation and spotting of small amounts of blood and mucous.. 

It is important for patients who have had colonoscopic biopsy to know that  up to 7-10 days    after the procedure the scab can fall off and significant bleeding or hemorrhage may occur.  It is for this reason that the physician often recommends low fiber (residue) diet and avoidance of aspirin and nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (nsaids) (eg. ibuprofen) after a biopsy has been done. 

©1998 Richard Saltz, M.D.