Melena Treatment in India
About Melena
Key Highlights
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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.
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Typical hospital stay:
1-3 days
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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.
Popular choices for melena in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Manipal Hospital Baner, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform melena. MediFyr helps you compare gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
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 165 – USD 551 | 1-3 days | ~ 1-2 days for procedure effects; underlying condition recovery varies (weeks to months) | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 1,229 – USD 4,098 | 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.
vijayawada, India
44 Doctors
John Iyer, a 68-year-old retired engineer...
John Iyer, a 68-year-old retired engineer with a history of arthritis for which he took over-the-counter NSAIDs, was alarmed to find black, sticky stools in his toilet. He had also been experiencing mild, vague abdominal discomfort for a month but ignored it. His cardiologist, who managed his blood pressure, ordered urgent blood tests showing anemia and referred him to a gastroenterologist. The specialist confirmed melena and scheduled a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy to rule out a lower GI source first, followed immediately by an upper endoscopy. The procedures revealed severe gastritis and erosions in his stomach lining, likely from the NSAIDs. The bleeding sites were treated during the endoscopy. Recovery involved stopping NSAIDs, starting a proton-pump inhibitor, and iron supplements. His stool color normalized within three days. John's emotional journey moved from stubborn denial and downplaying symptoms to anxiety upon hearing 'bleeding.' After treatment, he felt chastened but relieved, committed to safer pain management and attending all follow-up appointments.
Gastroenterologists for Melena
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform melena and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 17 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 8 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata
- 20 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 28 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 12 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata
- 26 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 4 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi
- 9 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 19 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 15 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 13 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata