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

What Causes Black Stools After A Colonoscopy?

Yes Doctor, I just had a colonoscopy a week and a half ago. For the first three days I was unable to go to the toilet. I took a drink of fiber, and had a very good bowel movement. I eat four prunes about a week ago, and since then I have been passing very, very black stool. I have made an appointment with my doctor for Friday, but would like to know if this is something I should be worried about?
posted on Sun, 31 Aug 2014
Twitter Mon, 26 Oct 2015 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 26 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.

Black colored stool is known as melena which could be due to bleeding in upper gastrointestinal tract like in peptic ulcer,gastritis,esophageal varices or mallory-weiss syndrome or hookworm,drug induced etc.

There may also be chances of some injury to the bowel during colonoscopy for which you are passing black stools.

You should undergo routine blood count and stool examination with ultrasound abdomen will confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment is mainly depend on the underlying cause but you may require antibiotics, anti-helminthic with supportive treatment like purgatives if constipation is there.

Consult gastroenterologist for complete examination and further advise.

Regards,
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
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


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Black Stools After A Colonoscopy?

Hi, Welcome to HCM. Black colored stool is known as melena which could be due to bleeding in upper gastrointestinal tract like in peptic ulcer,gastritis,esophageal varices or mallory-weiss syndrome or hookworm,drug induced etc. There may also be chances of some injury to the bowel during colonoscopy for which you are passing black stools. You should undergo routine blood count and stool examination with ultrasound abdomen will confirm the diagnosis. Treatment is mainly depend on the underlying cause but you may require antibiotics, anti-helminthic with supportive treatment like purgatives if constipation is there. Consult gastroenterologist for complete examination and further advise. Regards,