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What Causes Persistent Pain In The Upper Right Abdomen?

Posted on Thu, 13 Nov 2014

Question: I have had pain on my right side for quite a while now. It comes and goes. Upper right side of back, around the front under my breast area. Pain is mostly on right upper side, under arm area!? I have had my gullbladder removed, so it isn't that!? What could it be??

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS)

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.

Persistent pain in the upper right abdomen/upper right side of back may be due to Postcholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) or due to post-surgical peritoneal adhesions (?subdiaphragmatic). Dietary restriction with fatty foods, enzyme preparations, antispasmodics, sometimes cholagogue helps.
If the pain is caused by biliary microlithiasis(diagnosed by Retrograde cholangiopancreatography/MR cholangiography),oral ursodeoxycholic acid can alleviate the condition.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (17 minutes later)

Just to clarify, I don't have any pain in my stomach...it is all upper right side by ribs and around to back!? Kind of under the armpit!?

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Referred pain from upper abdomen

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

It appears that the pain you are experiencing is referred pain from area below the right diaphragm as your chest-x-ray and presumably chest examination is not contributory.

regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (20 minutes later)

I'm not sure!? It seems higher....right under my right armpit, into chest/breast area and then around to back as well!? What could it be....?? The same thing as first email?? Those things seem to be pain in the stomach area, etc.... Could it be kidney stones with pain that far up?? I have had those before....sometimes the pain radiates down to the lower back/kidney area...but mostly higher!? Thanks much.

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Renal colic vs biliary colic

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Renal colic on right side is unlikely to be referred to chest but biliary colic can be referred to rt shoulder(nerve involved phrenic).

You can undergo Ultrasound examination of abdomen and if inconclusive CT abdomen to settle the issue.

regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (25 hours later)

Is it possible to have kidney stone or kidney pain that starts in the upper back and side for some time, then the pain moves down to the lower flank area and stomach? Last night and today my lower back and stomach have been hurting and not so much my upper side and back anymore!? But, the upper pain I have had for a long time....could it be a kidney stone? I have had those in the past... Sometimes last night and today the pain goes to the left lower side as well!? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Abdominal pain following cholecystectomy

Detailed Answer:
Renal colic/renal pain on right side can be felt in right upper back and side and can radiate down right lower flank. If there is any doubt about the origin of abdominal pain ,it is best to undergo repeat Ultrasound/CT abdomen in your case,as the abdomen is said to be 'Magic Box'.

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D