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What Causes Bloating, Left-sided Abdominal Pain And Blood In Stool?
Question: Hi Doctor,
I was having a feeling of stomach being full even after passing stool for over 2 weeks. Also I dont know if it is related, I am alsp experiencing mild pain at times in lower left abdomen. Last week, I had spotted red blood (2, 3 drops) in stool twice. i had gone to a doctor who advised me to get sigmoidoscopy. Is the procedure safe, I am scared it might cause pain or cut in the colon
I was having a feeling of stomach being full even after passing stool for over 2 weeks. Also I dont know if it is related, I am alsp experiencing mild pain at times in lower left abdomen. Last week, I had spotted red blood (2, 3 drops) in stool twice. i had gone to a doctor who advised me to get sigmoidoscopy. Is the procedure safe, I am scared it might cause pain or cut in the colon
Brief Answer:
Generally safe
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.
Your symptoms (bloating, left sided abdominal pain and blood in stools) would lead me to primarily rule out partial intestinal obstruction (polyps, tumors, impacted stool) & ulcers
Would you please clarify a few things for me?
-do you have pain in your upper abdomen, where the stomach is (just below the ribs at the center, in line with your neck)?
-any vomiting, loose stools or constipation?
-any changes in diet recently? Or significant weight loss or gain?
-does it hurt when you pass stools? Near the anus or in your abdomen?
-do you have any other medical issues? Medications?
-do you smoke or consume alcohol?
-any previous surgeries?
I recommend ;
- a gastroenterologist consult
- physical exam to check for anal fissures, hemorrhoids, hard mass in your abdomen.
-a CT scan of the abdomen to look for any obstruction or inflammation
-blood tests (complete blood count, peripheral smear, kidney and liver function tests, clotting parameters)
- stool analysis to check for infection (bacteria, parasites)
-sigmoidoscopy if no abnormalities in rectal exam
Based on the clinical findings and tests results, we can proceed further.
To answer your queries :
I believe your doctor had a good reason to suggest a sigmoidoscopy.
I understand your concerns about the procedure.
It takes about 20 minutes XXXXXXX And is not painful. A little discomfort will be there and you will be conscious in order to facilitate the procedure.
Yes it is generally and mostly safe. Like with any procedure risk factors exist. Risks of tearing colon in less than 2% and can be minimized by making sure the procedure is performed by a certified specialist with experience in this and by relaxing yourself.
After the procedure, some bloating is expected but if you have severe abdominal pain, fever, dizziness or blood in stool (any amount), consult your doctor right away.
Your doctor would have considered the risks versus the benefits and any rectal bleed should be thoroughly investigated and treated as soon as possible.
Hope this I've reassured you. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Wish you well.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad
Generally safe
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.
Your symptoms (bloating, left sided abdominal pain and blood in stools) would lead me to primarily rule out partial intestinal obstruction (polyps, tumors, impacted stool) & ulcers
Would you please clarify a few things for me?
-do you have pain in your upper abdomen, where the stomach is (just below the ribs at the center, in line with your neck)?
-any vomiting, loose stools or constipation?
-any changes in diet recently? Or significant weight loss or gain?
-does it hurt when you pass stools? Near the anus or in your abdomen?
-do you have any other medical issues? Medications?
-do you smoke or consume alcohol?
-any previous surgeries?
I recommend ;
- a gastroenterologist consult
- physical exam to check for anal fissures, hemorrhoids, hard mass in your abdomen.
-a CT scan of the abdomen to look for any obstruction or inflammation
-blood tests (complete blood count, peripheral smear, kidney and liver function tests, clotting parameters)
- stool analysis to check for infection (bacteria, parasites)
-sigmoidoscopy if no abnormalities in rectal exam
Based on the clinical findings and tests results, we can proceed further.
To answer your queries :
I believe your doctor had a good reason to suggest a sigmoidoscopy.
I understand your concerns about the procedure.
It takes about 20 minutes XXXXXXX And is not painful. A little discomfort will be there and you will be conscious in order to facilitate the procedure.
Yes it is generally and mostly safe. Like with any procedure risk factors exist. Risks of tearing colon in less than 2% and can be minimized by making sure the procedure is performed by a certified specialist with experience in this and by relaxing yourself.
After the procedure, some bloating is expected but if you have severe abdominal pain, fever, dizziness or blood in stool (any amount), consult your doctor right away.
Your doctor would have considered the risks versus the benefits and any rectal bleed should be thoroughly investigated and treated as soon as possible.
Hope this I've reassured you. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Wish you well.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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