Abdominal pain has a variety of causes ranging from organs part of or around the gastrointestinal tract, organs in the pelvis (kidneys), and structures in the chest (heart, aorta).
Any pain clinically is described under the sub-headings of ‘SOCRATES’ which includes Site, Onset, Character, Radiation, Associated features, Time, Exacerbation due to, and Severity.
After a thorough clinical assessment, a physician can deduce the source of pain and order investigations to rule out causes. The abdomen is divided into 9 areas (sites) for better description and localization of pain.
Most gastrointestinal causes of abdominal pain can be localized to the regions described below. Here we shall discuss the common GI causes and their respective sites.
Abdomen regions section-wise
As you can see, there are multiple causes of pain at the same site, and a more detailed evaluation is required for diagnosis.
This is where imaging modalities like Upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy play a big role. Because there is real-time visualization, diagnosis can be made by having a direct look rather than guesswork.
Also, if the disease requires a biopsy for histopathological diagnosis, it can be at the same time as the procedure.
As the diagnosis is made at an earlier stage and appropriate treatment is instituted, it is beneficial and time efficient for the patient and the doctor.
Therefore, to summarise the advantages of imaging
- 1. Real-time visualization helps in ruling in and out differential diagnoses
- 2. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, an appropriate treatment plan can be given
- 3. If intervention is required, it can be appropriately planned and instituted
- 4. Time-efficient for patient and doctor