What Causes Rectal Bleeding After Pilonidal Cystectomy?

Posted on Sat, 31 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 31 Dec 2016 Answered on

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I underwent surgery to get a pilonidal cyst removed from my buttocks. I just did a bowel movement. I experienced rectal bleeding. I don't know if it was from the stool softerner anti constipation medication they had me take. Under warning from that medication it said that a rare but serious side effect can occur from taking the anti constipation medication that is rectal bleeding. This is even though I havent experienced constipation. They said stop taking it after one week. They said tell your doctor right away if you experience rectal bleeding. Incase if you are wandering, the name of the medication is called docusate. It is taken in pill form

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Monitor for now!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

This could be related to the surgery. As such, I will recommend that you continue taking docusate as this would help keep the stools soft and allow easy healing of the pilonidal cysts. However, if the quantity of blood increases, I will suggest that you go ahead and seek re-evaluation. I will not want to index docusate at this time, unless it persists.

I wish you well. Keep me posted and more so if anything else comes up!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad