Abdominal Pain (Groin Pain)

Following fertilisation of the egg by sperm, the cells divide and multiply. During development, the cells differentiate into tissues and organs, each of which have their own blood and nerve supply.

The abdomen is that portion of the body beneath the diaphragm that extends down to the pelvis. It comprises the majority of the gastro-intestinal tract (large and small bowel) and its associated glands and organs (liver, gallbladder and pancreas) and the urogenital system (kidneys, ureter, bladder), including the reproductive organs in the female. There are also the major blood vessels supplying these structures and the lower limbs.

The gastro-intestinal tract, with its glands and organs, is divided up into three portions. There is the foregut, mid gut and hindgut. Pathologies in these areas produce pain in the upper abdomen, around the belly button (umbilicus) and in the lower abdomen respectively.

The experienced General Surgeon will be able to deduce, from the site and nature of the pain, the most likely area to be causing the problem and arrange the necessary investigations in order to arrive at a diagnosis.