Abdominal Pain Investigation

• Persistent or recurring pain in any part of the abdomen
• Cramping, bloating or a feeling of fullness after eating
• Pain associated with a change in bowel habit
• Unexplained weight loss alongside abdominal discomfort
• Pain that wakes you at night or is steadily worsening
• Nausea, loss of appetite or feeling unwell with the pain
• A lump or swelling you can feel in the abdomen
• Pain linked to eating fatty foods, possibly suggesting gallstones

Abdominal pain can arise from many organs within the abdomen and pelvis, including the bowel, gallbladder, appendix, stomach, pancreas, and the urinary or gynaecological systems. Common surgical causes include gallstones, hernias, diverticular disease, appendicitis, adhesions from previous surgery, and inflammatory or structural bowel conditions. Functional disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome are also frequent and, while not dangerous, can produce significant discomfort.

Risk factors vary by cause: gallstones are more common with increasing age, in women, and with higher body weight; diverticular disease becomes more likely with age and a low-fibre diet; and a family history of bowel disease or unexplained weight loss raises the importance of prompt investigation. The role of assessment is to distinguish between these possibilities so the right treatment can be chosen.

Assessment begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and a careful clinical examination of the abdomen. From this, Mr Hussain can often narrow the likely causes and decide which targeted tests are needed, avoiding unnecessary investigations. Blood tests are commonly arranged to check for infection, inflammation, anaemia, and liver, kidney and pancreatic function.

Depending on the findings, imaging such as an ultrasound or CT scan may be requested to examine the organs in detail, while a colonoscopy or gastroscopy allows direct inspection of the bowel or stomach lining. Where the cause remains unclear despite these tests, a diagnostic laparoscopy (keyhole camera examination) can provide a definitive answer. This stepwise approach means most patients have a clear diagnosis within one or two appointments.

The aim of your appointment is to reach a clear diagnosis quickly. Mr Hussain begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and a careful examination of the abdomen, which often narrows down the likely causes and shows which targeted tests are worthwhile, avoiding unnecessary investigations.

From there he arranges the specific tests you need — commonly blood tests and an ultrasound or CT scan, and sometimes a colonoscopy, gastroscopy or a keyhole diagnostic laparoscopy. These can usually be organised promptly as a private patient. Most people have a clear diagnosis and a plan within one or two appointments, whether that means treatment for a specific condition or firm reassurance that nothing serious is wrong.

Most investigations for abdominal pain are quick and carry minimal disruption to daily life. Blood tests and ultrasound are non-invasive, while colonoscopy and gastroscopy are usually performed as day-case procedures with light sedation, allowing you to return home the same day. After a diagnostic laparoscopy, recovery is typically rapid given the keyhole approach, with most people back to normal activities within a week.

The outcome of assessment is a clear explanation of the cause and a treatment plan suited to you. Where serious disease has been excluded, the reassurance itself often brings significant relief. If treatment is required, Mr Hussain will discuss the options, timescales and what to expect at each stage.