“Bleeding after a colonoscopy - is it normal?”
I recently had a colonoscopy and I am experiencing some bleeding. Is this normal?
13 Answers
It might be normal if it happens soon after, within 1-2 days. If it happens later than that, then it may be a complication, especially if the amount of bleeding is significant. It could also be due to a source unrelated to the colonoscopy such as hemorrhoids.
Have they removed any polyps? If yes, how big the polyps were and how were they removed? And how long was that? Any abdominal pain?
No, was a polyp removed? Please call your doctor immediately.
It is not normal. A little bit of bleeding is not that unusual, but anything more than a tiny bit, or bleeding more than once, should generate a phone call to a gastroenterologist, or a visit to an ER.
Alain Ades
Alain Ades
A small amount of bleeding is normal but if a polyp was removed it could be serious. Always check with your doctor if you develop symptoms such as severe bleeding, pain or dizziness
Bleeding after colonoscopy happens in approximately 5 out of 1000 procedures.
If you are on Aspirin or any other NSAIDs like Ibuprofen you are at risk of post polypectomy bleeding.
Also if you take any blood thinners like Plavix or Warfarin you are at risk as well .
Your doctor will address the issue after the colonoscopy and usually the discharge nurse are supposed to give you the post polypectomy instructions
If you are on Aspirin or any other NSAIDs like Ibuprofen you are at risk of post polypectomy bleeding.
Also if you take any blood thinners like Plavix or Warfarin you are at risk as well .
Your doctor will address the issue after the colonoscopy and usually the discharge nurse are supposed to give you the post polypectomy instructions
Bleeding after a routine colonoscopy even without biopsies or polyp removal can occur. Red flag bleeding that calls for immediate medical attention is bleeding greater than a tablespoon, bleeding with abdominal pain and or bleeding mixed with mucus. Fever after a colonoscopy calls for immediate medical attention.
After a colonoscopy a small amount of bleeding is considered normal especially after a polyp removal . Any severe bleeding is not and needs to be evaluated immediately. IF FEVER, and Chills accompany the bleeding this also needs further evaluation The gastroenterologist who has performed the procedure should be notified so he can properly advise her.
Hi. You did not include findings at the time of your colonoscopy. Bleeding after removing a colon polyp must be followed up with the doctor who performed the colonoscopy.
No. Any bleeding after a colonoscopy is abnormal. You should inform your gastroenterologist and follow his/her advice.
It can. Make sure you are not taking aspirin or nonsteroidal antiinflamatory drug or blood thinner. If persists see physician immediately
Generally, bleeding does not occur if the colonoscopy is diagnostic, i.e. no polyp removal or biopsies. If you have had a biopsy or a polypectomy, bleeding could occur from the polypectomy site. On occasions, patients may have some bleeding if they have friable hemorrhoids. If the bleeding continues, you should contact your gastroenterologist.
A small amount of bleeding after a colonoscopy is not uncommon, if biopsies were performed during the procedure. However, large amounts of bleeding from the rectum can occur after removal of large polyps and it would be best to call your doctor or seek evaluation at the nearest emergency room immediately.
