What Causes Black Stool Post A Colostomy Surgery?

Posted on Wed, 3 May 2017

Question: Good Day. My mother had a closed end colostomy surgery two weeks ago. Her stool output is coming out black. Could you tell me the cause of the output and is there a need to be concerned.
Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sunil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Stool for occult blood test to be done.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Greetings and thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query.

Have gone through your details and i appreciate your concern.

Normally color of output depends on which type of stoma you have.Like all output, it can depend on diet, liquid intake etc she is having. For all types of stoma, it is important to drink plenty of fluids, about 6 cups of liquid a day.A colostomy won't change the way your digestive system works. Normally, after you chew and swallow your food, it goes through your esophagus, or swallowing tube, into your stomach.
All shades of black to pale yellow are considered normal. Only rarely does stool color indicate a potentially serious intestinal condition. Stool color is generally influenced by what you eat as well as by the amount of bile.
I would suggest you to go for a test called stool for occult blood as some time black and tarry stools are suggestive of blood in stools.

If this test is normal there is no need to worry. Once the things will start getting normal color of stool will be normal.Body will take its time to adapt to new changes.

Hope, I answered your query well.In case of further question feel free to ask.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Sunil (2 hours later)

I also have another question. Since my mother's colostomy surgery both of her legs and feet have swelled up tremendously. Do you know what is the cause and what can be done to take down the swelling?

Answered by Dr. Sunil (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Lymphadema.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Lymphadema of the legs is most common in patients who have surgery on the abdominal or pelvic areas.It is especially common after cancer surgery in the pelvic region. One of the most common cause is the removal of lymph nodes during surgery , which allows fluid to build up without normal lymph drainage. Some medications may also cause lymphadema.
Treatment for lymphadema after surgery normally involves the use of compression stockings, low dose diuretics and exercises, which are all helpful in reducing swelling.A healthy diet and good skin care also reduce swelling. Resting the swollen leg above heart level can drain the excess fluid from the limb. If possible, gentle exercise, such as walking, circulates the lymph naturally, but it can also increase blood circulation to the area, causing more swelling.
It will take about 8-12 weeks for the swelling to go away.

In case you need any other professional advice feel free to ask.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Sunil (1 hour later)

Thank you for all your help.

Answered by Dr. Sunil (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Most welcome and get well soon.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D