Diagnosis for flank pain
The diagnosis of flank pain on the right side is made depending on the affected organ area. In addition to determining the type and timing of the pain, the accompanying symptoms are decisive here. As a rule, the causative organ area can already be determined on the basis of this survey.
Invasive and non-invasive examinations can then follow. As a rule, the organ area can be further narrowed down with a blood test. Afterwards, the rough appearance of the upper abdominal organs can be estimated simply and cost-effectively with an ultrasound examination.
Inflammations, stones and gross changes in organ structures can often be detected. In some cases, radiological procedures are additionally necessary. The abdominal organs can be assessed well in a CT examination.
Endoscopic procedures have proven to be particularly effective for complaints of the stomach, colon and bile ducts. Here the hollow organ is examined from the inside with a camera and small operations such as the removal of stones can already be performed. The flank roughly describes the lateral part of the upper body and includes several anatomical regions and potential causes of pain.
Typically, primarily the right costal arch, the right part of the abdominal cavity and the lateral back up to the spine are called the right flank. Flank pain can occur diffusely in these areas and can be localized in exactly one area, for example under the costal arch. Flank pain can encompass the area of the lateral gastrointestinal tract, the liver and the right kidney and can thus be attributed to numerous potential triggers.
When should I go to the doctor with flank pain?
Many of the causes of flank pain are harmless and temporary. These can be distinguished from serious causes and serious diseases. A first criterion for a medical clarification of the symptoms is the severity of the symptoms. If the pain is unbearably bad, has been going on for several days without interruption or recurs repeatedly, a medical diagnosis should be made. Mild pain, on the other hand, can recede within a few days and often offers no reason for a medical consultation.
