What could be the cause of black stools after undergoing endoscopic stenting for gall stones?
Patient: My Dad is 79 was having severe abdominal pain and vomiting for about 1 month went to ER monday did CT Scan found very large gall stone blocking duct to liver had Endoscopy on Tues couldn't remove stone was to large had a second endo on Thurs and they quote filleted the duct and removed the stone, put in a stent, cleaned area of slugh then yesterday he started passing dark/black stool each time he went to the bathroom total of 5 times, Dr. immediately did another endo to look for bleeding and to put a sealant over the duct area from previous day he stated he didn't think the blood was coming from that area.  Any idea what could be going on with this situation? Doctor: Hello! Thanks for putting your query in HCM. I am a Gastroenterologist.Presence of black stool suggest bleeding from upper GI tract. And with a prior history of ERCP suggest bleeding from the papilla site as papilla has to be cut for stone removal. And if your has checked that site and is sure that it is not bleeding from that site, means it may be blood passed in Gi tract during the procedure and now the bleeding has stopped.So keep watch on stool colour, which may be black for another 3-4 days after which it should be cleared. In case it is not cleared ther repeat endoscopy is warranted. I hope I have answered your query and this will help you . Wish you a good health