Postendoscopy Bleeding

Postendoscopy bleeding is a term that describes bleeding at the site of a recent endoscopic procedure. Endoscopic procedures include colonoscopy, gastroscopy, and related tests, which use an endoscope to examine organs of the digestive tract. Most postendoscopy bleeding is mild, but in some cases, severe bleeding can occur.

Postendoscopy bleeding can be a serious medical problem and should be evaluated by a doctor to determine the cause and the best course of treatment.

Causes of Postendoscopy Bleeding

The most common cause of postendoscopy bleeding is injury to the wall of the digestive tract due to the endoscope. This can occur if the endoscope is pressed too hard against the wall, or if an instrument used during the procedure punctures or tears the wall.

Other causes of postendoscopy bleeding can include:

Tumors in the digestive tract that bleed
Ulceration or inflammation of the digestive tract
Injury to a blood vessel during endoscopic procedures
Excessive use of suction during an endoscopy
Polyps or other abnormal growths that bleed
Medication side effects

Symptoms of Postendoscopy Bleeding

The symptoms of postendoscopy bleeding depend on the severity and location of the bleeding. Common symptoms include:

Dark or bright red blood in stool
Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Confusion
Lightheadedness or fainting
Breathing difficulty
Rapid heart rate

If you experience any of these symptoms after an endoscopic procedure, seek immediate medical care.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Postendoscopy Bleeding

Postendoscopy bleeding should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible to minimize the risk of complications. Depending on the severity of the bleeding, you may need to be admitted to the hospital for observation and treatment.

Treatment for postendoscopy bleeding depends on the cause, but may include:

Medication to stop bleeding
Surgery to repair a torn or injured tissue
Endoscopic procedures to control bleeding
Blood transfusions

If your doctor suspects that a tumor is causing the bleeding, you may need to have more tests to determine the best course of treatment.