Blood in Stool: Is It Related to My Recent Hemorrhoid Banding?

Blood in the stool?

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing bowel movements with blood for four consecutive days this week.
One day, the blood was at the front of the stool, and today it was in the middle of the stool, both times just a small amount that seemed to be attached to the surface.
However, there was no blood on the toilet paper after wiping, and my bowel movements have been relatively smooth, not particularly hard.
On October 11th, I underwent rubber band ligation for an internal hemorrhoid, but I'm not sure if it has already fallen off.
Could this bleeding be related to the hemorrhoid ligation? Should I schedule a follow-up appointment? Previously, I had blood when wiping after a bowel movement, and after seeing a doctor, I was diagnosed with an internal hemorrhoid and underwent the ligation.
It has been over a week since the procedure, and I am still seeing blood, which is concerning.
Thank you for your response, Doctor.

Jie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/20

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery

Mild bleeding after hemorrhoid ligation is a normal occurrence; as long as there is no significant bleeding, there is no need to rush back for a follow-up appointment.
The rubber band has likely already fallen off, but even if it hasn't, there is no need to worry excessively.
During this period, it is advisable to avoid constipation and shorten the time spent on bowel movements to prevent bleeding from the ligation site.

Reply Date: 2022/10/20

More Info

Blood in the stool can be concerning, especially after undergoing a procedure like hemorrhoid banding. In your case, it’s important to consider a few factors to determine whether the bleeding is related to the banding or if there might be another underlying issue.

Hemorrhoid banding, also known as rubber band ligation, is a common procedure used to treat internal hemorrhoids. The procedure involves placing a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off its blood supply, causing it to shrink and eventually fall off. It’s not uncommon for patients to experience some bleeding after the procedure, particularly if the hemorrhoid has not yet fallen off or if there is irritation in the area.

The fact that you are seeing blood in your stool four days in a row, with blood appearing on the surface of the stool or mixed in, could indeed be related to the banding. However, it’s also important to rule out other potential causes of rectal bleeding, such as anal fissures, other types of hemorrhoids, diverticular disease, or even more serious conditions like colorectal polyps or cancer, especially if the bleeding persists.

Given that you had the banding done on October 11 and are still experiencing bleeding, it would be advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may want to perform a physical examination or possibly a colonoscopy to assess the situation more thoroughly. It’s crucial to monitor the amount of blood you are seeing; if it increases or if you experience any other symptoms such as pain, changes in bowel habits, or significant changes in your overall health, you should seek medical attention promptly.

In addition to the follow-up, it’s important to maintain a diet high in fiber and stay well-hydrated to ensure that your bowel movements remain soft and regular. This can help prevent further irritation or injury to the anal area, which could exacerbate bleeding.

In summary, while the bleeding could be related to your recent hemorrhoid banding, it is essential to consult with your doctor to ensure that there are no other underlying issues. They can provide a more definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment based on a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and medical history. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for peace of mind and to ensure your health is monitored appropriately.

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