Abdominal Pain

Abdominal Pain

I specialise in the workup of abdominal pain.  I am a consultant General Surgeon and Colorectal Lead at the Mid Cheshire Foundation Hospital NHS Trust. I am also Consultant Surgeon at BMI Alexandra Hospital and South Cheshire Private Hospital.  I also conduct joint clinics with gastroenterologist for comprehensive workup and management of patients.

Abdominal pain can be either localised or generalised.  The abdomen contains many organs therefore, it is not always obvious as to the cause of the discomfort.

Abdominal pain can range from general discomfort to severe pain suggestive of a possible perforation such as a stomach ulcer or other part of the intestines. The general location of pain in the abdomen will help locate the source of the pain and consequently guide to any further tests that are necessary.

Many causes of abdominal pain are associated with symptoms such as abdominal bloating, nausea, sickness, vomiting, diarrhoea and occasionally weight loss.

The investigation of abdominal pain usually involves physical examination, blood tests an abdominal ultrasound or a CAT (computer tomography) scan or MR (magnetic resonance) scan.  Some patients my require a gastroscopy or colonoscopy.

On diagnosis of cause of abdominal pain majority of patients will require medical treatment, in some cases emergency or elective surgery may be required.