Vaginal bleeding after hysterectomy

After hysterectomy (removal of uterus and cervix), you may have occasional vaginal spotting.   This is usually due to the healing process in the vaginal cuff.   During hysterectomy, your surgeon has to cut part of your vagina and suture it back.   The blood could be dark from old blood or it could be bright red from acute bleeding.   Although most post-hysterectomy vaginal bleeding is not usually life-threatening, you should always call your doctor if the bleeding is more than just spotting or if you have any concerns.   

In the office or emergency room, pelvic exam is usually done.  If the bleeding is due to old blood from surgery that clotted and then hemolyze, there is not much need to be done.  If the bleeding due to the healing vaginal cuff, your doctor may cauterize it with silver nitrate (minimal pain).  However, if the bleeding is significant amount and continuous, then you may be taken back to the operating room.