Urethral Bleeeding after Surgery - Should I be Concerned?
Asked by
benneraj (
2
)
February 21st, 2009
I had laparoscopic surgery for ovarian cysts three days ago. A urinary catheter was in place during the surgery. Ever since then, I have had a significant amount of bleeding from my urethra. I have no pain or burning when I urinate. The bleeding occurs even when I am not urinating, to the point where I need to wear a pad. At first I thought it might be vaginal bleeding, since it was about the same amount of blood I would normally get with my period, but it’s definitely coming from the urethra. I called the doctor who did my surgery and she just told me to be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Has anyone had a similar experience or is this something I should be concerned about?
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8 Answers
I’m not a woman, so anatomically I can’t relate of course. I have a personal rule of thumb, kind of to the effect that if your healthcare provider is any good, and bleeding was to be expected they would have certainly prepared you for it / mentioned it.
As for minimal invasive cyst removal of any kind, I’d assume that the wound gets lasered / cauterized so bleeding should be limited.
Messing with the ovaries can always cause weird things when it comes to menstrual cycles. On most “reliable” healthcare-related websites you’ll find women reporting anything from no period for three months, to period 3 days after the procedure despite not being due for weeks.
I would definitely demand a check-up. There’s always a chance a catheter my have damaged a vessel or something.
Come to think of it, I’d probably get a second opinion. Bleeding for 3 days seems a bit excessive to me.
But then, I’m neither a doctor nor do I have ovaries :/
See the positive side, when you called in and mentioned bleeding they didn’t go haywire, so I’d assume some post-procedural bleeding was expected.
GET A SECOND OPINION NOW!!
I am a nurse. No reason you should have urethral bleeding at all after that surgery or a bladder catheter.
In the mean time, stay away from aspirin.
( I would go to the ER).
Your doctor is blowing you off.
I’d say that anytime blood comes from a place it doesn’t normally come from, it’s time to call a different doctor. It couldn’t hurt to ask.
I had a urine culture yesterday and just got the results – no infection. I called the urologist I’ve seen before for kidney stones, and they want to see me first thing Monday morning. Thanks all for your answers!
Good idea to see a doctor as soon as you can. While urethral catheters can cause urethral/bladder trauma and thus bleeding, and a little blood can make urine look really bloody, given the fact that you just had intraabdominal surgery, you need an evaluation. If the bleeding increases, or you feel lightheaded, dizzy, weak, have abdominal pain, etc., then go to the ER immediately.
I guess that sums it up. Best of luck! I hope you get well soon!
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