Learn about Melena Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Melena and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Melena

Melena is not a procedure but a clinical sign characterized by black, tarry, foul-smelling stools caused by the presence of digested blood from an upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleed, typically originating from a source above the ligament of Treitz. A gastroenterologist's role is to urgently diagnose and treat the underlying cause. This involves a comprehensive evaluation starting with a detailed history, physical exam, and lab tests like a complete blood count. The cornerstone diagnostic and often therapeutic procedure is an upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD), which allows direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to identify and potentially treat the source of bleeding, such as ulcers, varices, or tumors. Timely management is critical to prevent complications like severe anemia or hypovolemic shock.

Key Highlights

    Enables direct visualization of the upper gastrointestinal tract to pinpoint the exact source of bleeding.Often allows for immediate therapeutic intervention during the same procedure (e.g., cauterization, clipping).Provides a definitive diagnosis, which is crucial for guiding further management and preventing recurrence.Minimally invasive compared to exploratory surgery.Can be performed urgently to stabilize a critically ill patient.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Presentation with black, tarry stools (melena) confirmed on physical exam.
  • Symptoms of an upper GI bleed, such as dizziness, fainting, or abdominal pain, accompanied by melena.
  • Laboratory findings suggestive of acute or chronic blood loss (e.g., dropping hemoglobin/hematocrit).
  • History of conditions that predispose to upper GI bleeding, like peptic ulcer disease, liver cirrhosis with varices, or gastritis.
  • To evaluate and treat a known bleeding lesion identified on other imaging studies.

How to prepare

  • Patient stabilization is the first priority, which may include intravenous fluids and blood transfusions.
  • Patient must fast (no food or drink) for typically 6-8 hours before the endoscopic procedure to ensure an empty stomach.
  • Review of current medications; temporary discontinuation of blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin) may be required as per doctor's advice.
  • Informed consent detailing the risks and benefits of the endoscopic procedure is obtained.
  • An intravenous line is placed for sedation and medication administration during the procedure.

Risks & possible complications

  • Risks related to sedation, including allergic reactions or respiratory depression.
  • Perforation (a tear) in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum, though rare.
  • Bleeding from the biopsy site or treatment area.
  • Infection, which is uncommon.
  • Incomplete procedure or missed diagnosis if bleeding is intermittent or from a difficult-to-visualize area.
  • Adverse reaction to any medications used during the procedure.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Immediate recovery involves monitoring in a recovery area until sedation wears off (1-2 hours).
  • A sore throat or mild bloating is common for a day or two after the endoscopy.
  • Patients are advised not to drive or operate machinery for 24 hours due to sedation.
  • Diet can typically be resumed starting with clear liquids, advancing to a soft diet as tolerated, unless otherwise instructed.
  • Follow-up is crucial to discuss biopsy results (if taken) and to manage the underlying condition with medications (e.g., proton pump inhibitors for ulcers).
  • Patients are instructed to watch for and report severe abdominal pain, fever, or recurrent black stools immediately.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-2 days for procedure effects; underlying condition recovery varies (weeks to months)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering melena in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for melena compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 163 – USD 544 1-3 days ~ 1-2 days for procedure effects; underlying condition recovery varies (weeks to months) Know More
Turkey USD 1,208 – USD 4,026 1-3 days ~ 1-2 days for procedure effects; underlying condition recovery varies (weeks to months) Know More

Top hospitals for Melena in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing melena.

Manipal Hospital Rangapani

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon13 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
  • Icon79 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
  • Icon44 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
  • Icon52 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

Gem Hospital Perungudi

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Gem Hospital Aminjikarai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
  • Icon38 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon57 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon150 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
  • Icon41 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Jaipur

  • IconJaipur, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital EM Bypass

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon94 Doctors

SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon71 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors

Medanta The Medicity

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon900 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

I'd been to three other doctors...

I'd been to three other doctors for this nagging pain and fatigue. Everyone said it was stress. Dr. Latha at MGM was the first one who actually sat and listened, really listened, to everything I was saying. She ordered a specific test the others hadn't, and it turned out to be something quite rare. She explained it all to me in plain Tamil, drew diagrams on a notepad. I was scared, but she laid out a clear plan. It's been a long road, but I finally feel like we're getting somewhere.

Gastroenterologists for Melena

Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform melena and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Pinakee Sunder Kar
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Siliguri

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Nikhil Shellagi
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Pratap Behera
  • 29 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: Hindi, English

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vikash Prakash Nishikant
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anurag J Shetty
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Nischay R
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vidya Sharad Bhat
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anoop K R
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Murugesh Manjunatha
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur

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Dr. Suresh Shenoy
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sudipto Ghosh
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

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Dr. Kushan Sengupta
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Tuhin Subhra Mandal
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

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Dr. Bharath Kumar C
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

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Dr. Uddeepta Dutta
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Nitin Manglik
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sudipta Ghosh
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dheeraj Karanth C
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Gurbakhshish Singh Sidhu
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sreenivasa D
  • 40 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

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