Pain or swelling in the abdomen can arise from several conditions, some of which need urgent surgical attention. Appendicitis, gallbladder stones, hernia and intestinal obstruction are among the most common causes seen in general surgical practice.
Appendicitis often begins as central abdominal discomfort that shifts to the lower right side, sometimes with fever, nausea or loss of appetite, and may require prompt appendicectomy. Gallstones can cause upper abdominal pain and indigestion, while a hernia presents as a swelling that becomes more noticeable on coughing, lifting or straining.
Each condition is assessed through examination, blood tests and imaging so that the correct treatment - whether emergency surgery or a planned laparoscopic procedure - is chosen for the patient.
