HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Is Passing Stools With Blood Normal After Tonsilectomy Surgery ?

Hi, I am a 17 year old male approximately 5 foot 10 and 150 pounds, I had my tonsils removed 10 days ago. On day 8 I was hospitalized with bleeding and had to have emergency surgery to stop the bleeding. I was bleeding for about 2 hours before the surgery. I swallowed alot of blood and threw up a few times. I was sent home, but now there has been alot of blood in my bowel movement very dark stool, This has occured about 6 times in the past day and a half. Is this the blood i swolled or is this a new problem i should get looked at?
Wed, 11 Jan 2012
Report Abuse
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist,  's  Response
1. The 'malena' (black , tarry stool) is due to the swallowed blood which is denatured by gastric acid and the oxidation of the hemoglobin as the blood passes through lower gastrointestinal tract.
2. If your post-tonsillectomy bleeding has stopped and if there is no fresh red blood in your stools, there should be no cause for worry.
3. This amount shows the severity of your post-tonsillectomy bleeding. What is your drop in hemoglobin? What was your coagulogram?
4. Rarely, if the blood in stool continues, it may be due to continued bleeds or gastric ulcerations cause by the swallowed blood and the stress. Another cause may be iron supplements that may have been prescribed.
5. If this does not subside, you may have to seek medical examination.
I find this answer helpful
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Tonsillectomy


Loading Online Doctors....
Is Passing Stools With Blood Normal After Tonsilectomy Surgery ?

1. The malena (black , tarry stool) is due to the swallowed blood which is denatured by gastric acid and the oxidation of the hemoglobin as the blood passes through lower gastrointestinal tract. 2. If your post-tonsillectomy bleeding has stopped and if there is no fresh red blood in your stools, there should be no cause for worry. 3. This amount shows the severity of your post-tonsillectomy bleeding. What is your drop in hemoglobin? What was your coagulogram? 4. Rarely, if the blood in stool continues, it may be due to continued bleeds or gastric ulcerations cause by the swallowed blood and the stress. Another cause may be iron supplements that may have been prescribed. 5. If this does not subside, you may have to seek medical examination.