How quickly does polyp removal relieve blood in stool?

During a colonoscopy, a polyp may be removed and the site may be treated to reduce bleeding. Blood can still appear briefly because the area needs to heal. Ongoing or returning blood may have another source, such as haemorrhoids, inflammation, a small injury, or a different bowel lesion. Your clinician considers the polyp’s size and location, how it was removed, your medicines, and the appearance and amount of blood. Removal also allows the tissue to be examined, which guides follow-up.

Follow the bowel-preparation and recovery instructions you were given, drink as advised, and resume activity only as directed. Ask before taking medicines that can increase bleeding, including some pain relievers or blood thinners. Watch whether blood is fading, unchanged, or increasing, and report the pattern. For background, see [Blood in Stool](/symptoms/blood-in-stool/) and [Polyp Removal](/treatments/risk-reduction-and-prevention/polypectomy/).

Contact the endoscopy team promptly for ongoing bleeding, repeated bright-red blood, worsening abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, or weakness after removal. Seek emergency care for heavy bleeding, black tar-like stool with dizziness, fainting, severe pain, a swollen abdomen, or trouble breathing.

Was the polyp likely to explain the bleeding? How much blood is expected during healing, and for how long? Which medicines and activities should I avoid, and when will I receive the tissue result?