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What Causes Throbbing Pain In The Abdomen?

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Posted on Fri, 7 Apr 2017
Question: I have a dull slightly throbing pain in my abdomen that is about 2 inches to the right of my belly button. The pain seems to radiate up and down from that spot about 3 to 4 inches up and down. I had a colonoscopy done three months ago (oddly enough the pain started roughly a few days after that procedure) with nothing of significance noted. I also had a few blood panel workups done, and the only thing that revealed was a higher than average ALT reading on my liver. I kept telling the doctors that the pain was in my belly, but they focused in on my liver/gallbladder/kidney region. The pain itself is fairly persistent during the day (I have a desk job in an office). It seems to get much better if not go completely away in the evening and at night. The pain does not seem to be affected by food (eating or not eating). The pain does not seem to have the feeling of depth, I would say it feels as if it was within a inch or two from the surface of my belly. I don't have any other accompanying issues. My stool has been checked over the last couple months with negative results. I don't know if it is some kind of nerve or ulcer......I am confused since there really is not much in that area except intestine.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for Choosing HealthcareMagic for your query.

According to standard medical text-

Colonoscopy involves the visual inspection of the rectum and large intestine by insertion of a flexible video camera through the anus. 5 to 10 percent of people report abdominal pain or discomfort even for months and years after a colonoscopy.

However the common possibilities are-

Trapped gas is the most common cause of abdominal pain- to view the lining of the colon, gas is injected through the colonoscope to inflate the bowel. The air is suctioned out as much as possible at the completion of the colonoscopy, but substantial amounts may remain for months causing increased burps and gases.

As the colonoscope is bent and pushed through the intestine, it is possible to generate stress on the colon and rupture its mucosa. These inflamed and ruptured mucosa can cause pain. The colon has attachments to other organs, such as the liver and spleen. Rarely, pushing the scope through the bowel may pull on those attachments and cause tearing of those organs. Polyethylene glycol enema used before colonoscopy can lead to depletion of intestinal mucosa causing quadrant pain, burping etc.

A long-term probiotic should be taken. It contains good bacteria and improves overall digestion.

These possibilities though rare should be considered. As thumb rule of Medical science is if you suspect it; then just investigate it for patients safety.

Few general intructions are : Take Nexium 40mg twice daily along with a good quality over counter probiotic till tests are done.

I hope I answered your query, in case you have any further questions. Follow up is welcome.
This must be sounding very general to you but remember, rare things are rare they do occur and are often missed.

If possible, please try to attach all written reports available, you can simply upload/attach them at the reports section of this web-page.
Regards.

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2906 Questions

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What Causes Throbbing Pain In The Abdomen?

Brief Answer: Detailed answer below. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for Choosing HealthcareMagic for your query. According to standard medical text- Colonoscopy involves the visual inspection of the rectum and large intestine by insertion of a flexible video camera through the anus. 5 to 10 percent of people report abdominal pain or discomfort even for months and years after a colonoscopy. However the common possibilities are- Trapped gas is the most common cause of abdominal pain- to view the lining of the colon, gas is injected through the colonoscope to inflate the bowel. The air is suctioned out as much as possible at the completion of the colonoscopy, but substantial amounts may remain for months causing increased burps and gases. As the colonoscope is bent and pushed through the intestine, it is possible to generate stress on the colon and rupture its mucosa. These inflamed and ruptured mucosa can cause pain. The colon has attachments to other organs, such as the liver and spleen. Rarely, pushing the scope through the bowel may pull on those attachments and cause tearing of those organs. Polyethylene glycol enema used before colonoscopy can lead to depletion of intestinal mucosa causing quadrant pain, burping etc. A long-term probiotic should be taken. It contains good bacteria and improves overall digestion. These possibilities though rare should be considered. As thumb rule of Medical science is if you suspect it; then just investigate it for patients safety. Few general intructions are : Take Nexium 40mg twice daily along with a good quality over counter probiotic till tests are done. I hope I answered your query, in case you have any further questions. Follow up is welcome. This must be sounding very general to you but remember, rare things are rare they do occur and are often missed. If possible, please try to attach all written reports available, you can simply upload/attach them at the reports section of this web-page. Regards.