Abdominal Pain

General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, including hernia repair, gallbladder surgery and colorectal surgery, as well as breast surgery located in Lithonia and Decatur, GA
Abdominal Pain

Abdominal Pain services offered in Decatur, Lithonia, GA

Abdominal pain can disrupt your daily life, interfering with your ability to work, relax, and interact with others. In addition, sudden, uncontrollable abdominal pain with fevers, chills, nausea or vomiting, can be a life threatening condition that would need urgent emergency care in the hospital. Luis A. Quinones, MD, and the surgical team at Q&S Surgical in Decatur and Lithonia, Georgia, understand the toll abdominal pain takes on your mental and physical health. They work with you to uncover the cause of your pain and determine the best treatment. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more. 

Abdominal Pain Q & A

What is abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain causes discomfort in the space between the chest and hips. This area holds many bodily structures, including vital organs, muscles, tendons, and other tissues. Many acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) conditions can cause abdominal pain. Understanding the cause of your pain is the first step in effectively treating it.

With advanced diagnostic tools and state-of-the-art treatments, which include laparoscopic and coming soon, robotic-assisted surgery, Dr. Quinones and the team at Q&S Surgical can develop a comprehensive care plan that minimizes your pain.

What causes abdominal pain?

Common causes of abdominal pain are hernias, gallbladder disease, or colon cancer. Many other conditions can cause abdominal pain, including:

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is an uncomfortable condition that causes small, bulging pouches to form in the colon and become inflamed or infected in your digestive tract. If this occurs more than once, a colectomy may be necessary to prevent future rupture of the colon, which can be a life threatening condition.

Gastrointestinal problems

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a complex system that allows you to break down food and absorb nutrients. It includes the mouth, esophagus, small intestine, stomach, and large intestine. Many conditions can affect the GI tract, including pancreatitis, hemorrhoids, and ulcers.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder that causes frequent constipation, diarrhea, or both. Other symptoms include cramping, gas, sharp pains or dull aches, and bloating.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

GERD occurs when acid from your stomach flows back into your esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.

Liver or pancreas conditions

Conditions affecting the liver and pancreas can cause bloating and back and abdominal pain. Liver disease, pancreatitis, and cirrhosis are among the most common causes of abdominal pain.

Appendicitis 

The appendix is a small pouch that branches out from your colon. Surgical removal is the simplest method to prevent complications if it becomes infected or inflamed.

How is abdominal pain diagnosed?

Dr. Quinones has many diagnostic tools at his disposal to uncover the cause of abdominal pain, including:

  • X-rays
  • Magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Ultrasounds
  • Computed tomography (CT)
  • Blood work
  • Urinalysis
  • Stool tests

The team may refer you to a specialist for any testing they don’t perform onsite.

What are the treatments for abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain may resolve on its own with rest, fluids, and at-home treatments, but many cases require professional care. Specializing in surgical intervention, Dr. Quinones and the team at Q&S Surgical invest in the most advanced technology to perform abdominal surgery. 

The team takes a minimally invasive care approach involving laparoscopic surgery performed through small incisions. The practice will soon start using the da Vinci® robotic system to facilitate complex procedures and ensure the best outcomes for their patients.

Call Q&S Surgical today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about abdominal pain.