What if polyp removal does not relieve blood in stool?

Bleeding can arise from the removal site, haemorrhoids, a fissure, inflammation, infection or another bowel lesion. The appearance matters: bright red blood, dark stool and black sticky stool can point to different locations in the digestive tract. The team may review the procedure report, medicines, bowel habit and blood tests, and may arrange further examination. Blood in stool does not by itself show which condition caused it.

Tell the clinician when bleeding started, how often it appears, whether it coats the stool or is mixed through it, and whether you have pain, diarrhoea or constipation. Follow the discharge instructions and avoid straining. Ask before taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medicine or a laxative, particularly if you use a blood thinner. Keep hydrated if you can and retain any instructions about follow-up or pathology.

Seek emergency care for heavy or repeated bleeding, black sticky stool, dizziness, fainting, marked weakness, severe abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, fever or vomiting. Urgent assessment is also needed if you cannot pass stool or gas with worsening pain. A small amount of blood can still merit a prompt call after a procedure, especially when it is new or increasing.

Ask whether the bleeding could be from the removal site, whether your medicines affect bleeding, and whether examination or blood tests are needed. Ask how to care for your bowel movements, when pathology results will be discussed, and which symptoms require emergency attention.