Your abdomen is the area between your chest and pelvis. Many of your major organs are located in your abdomen, which is one reason that chronic abdominal pain is a serious concern. Your abdominal organs include:
- Stomach
- Intestines
- Kidneys
- Gallbladder
- Spleen
- Pancreas
- Liver
- Appendix
There are some conditions that can cause short-lived abdominal pain, such as infections. Infections in other parts of your body can also result in abdominal pain. For example, if you have an infection in your throat, or in your blood, you may have abdominal pain. If you have constipation or diarrhea you may experience abdominal pain, but once those conditions are resolved, the pain should dissipate as well.
However, if the pain lasts for weeks or months you may have a more serious condition. The surgeons at the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery are experienced in evaluating abdominal pain and can suggest an effective treatment plan.
Hernia
When one of your organs pushes through the muscle or tissue that is supposed to hold it in place, you have a hernia. There are several types of hernias, depending on which organ has pushed through where, but two are common causes of abdominal pain: hiatal and umbilical.
A hiatal hernia is when your stomach pushes through your diaphragm, and an umbilical hernia is when your intestine pushes through the opening your belly button makes in your abdominal wall. Both types of hernias can cause abdominal pain, tenderness, and swelling.
Appendicitis
Your appendix is a small part of your colon. When your appendix becomes inflamed or infected, you have appendicitis, and you can feel pain in your abdomen. The pain usually begins near your belly button and moves to your lower right side. The most effective treatment is an appendectomy.
Intestinal issues
There are several conditions that affect the intestines that can cause abdominal pain, including hernia, diverticulitis, intestinal blockage, and irritable bowel syndrome, among others. Several of these conditions are serious and can become life-threatening without treatment.
Your treatment may include dietary and lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery. The providers at the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery have the knowledge and skills to evaluate your situation and, if necessary, perform surgery that may relieve your pain and could even save your life.
Gallstones
Gallstones form in your gallbladder, which is a small organ that stores bile. Bile is necessary to help you digest fat. When gallstones form, your gallbladder can become inflamed and infected and cause significant abdominal pain.
Gallbladder surgery can be the most beneficial treatment if medication and lifestyle modifications don’t ease your pain. It’s a common surgery and can be performed using minimally invasive techniques.
If you’re experiencing significant, persistent abdominal pain, book an appointment over the phone with the Center for Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery. Our providers can help you understand why you’re hurting and what your treatment options are.
