Alternative Names
Stools – bloody; Hematochezia; Melena; Stools – black or tarry
Definition of Bloody or tarry stools
Bloody stools often indicate an injury or disorder in the digestive tract. Your doctor may use the term “melena” to describe black, tarry, and foul-smelling stools or “hematochezia” to describe red- or maroon-colored stools.
Review
Jacob L. Heller, MD, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, Clinic. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 1/11/2009
