Pain Radiating from Below the Navel: Gallstones Explained

The pain radiates upward from below the navel?

Hello Dr.
Chen! For the past month, I have experienced two episodes of pain that radiates in a fan shape from two centimeters below the navel during the night.
An abdominal ultrasound indicated that the bile duct is dilated but within normal limits, and there are stones in the gallbladder.
Can gallstones cause pain that radiates from below the navel? Thank you!

Wuming, 60~69 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/06

Dr. Chen Qifeng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

In principle, if gallstones are symptomatic, the primary symptom is upper abdominal pain, especially after consuming a rich, fatty meal.
Lower abdominal pain is often related to the intestines.

Reply Date: 2016/12/06

More Info

Gallstones can indeed cause pain, but the nature and location of that pain can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the size of the stones, their location, and whether they are causing any complications. In your case, you mentioned experiencing pain that radiates from a point just below your navel, which is somewhat atypical for gallbladder-related issues.

Typically, gallbladder pain, often referred to as biliary colic, is felt in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, just beneath the rib cage. This pain can sometimes radiate to the back or the right shoulder blade. However, it is less common for gallbladder pain to present as lower abdominal pain, particularly in the area just below the navel.
The pain you are experiencing could be related to the gallstones, especially if they are causing intermittent blockages in the bile duct, leading to episodes of pain. When a gallstone obstructs the bile duct, it can lead to increased pressure in the gallbladder, resulting in pain. This pain is usually sharp and can come in waves, often accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
However, since your ultrasound indicated that the bile duct is enlarged but within normal limits, it suggests that there may not be a significant obstruction at this time. The gallstones in the gallbladder itself may not be causing immediate symptoms, but they can lead to complications such as cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or pancreatitis if they migrate and block the pancreatic duct.

It is also important to consider other potential causes of lower abdominal pain. Conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or even gynecological issues (in females) could present with similar symptoms. Therefore, if the pain persists or worsens, further evaluation may be necessary to rule out these other conditions.

In summary, while gallstones can cause abdominal pain, the specific location of your pain just below the navel is not typical for gallbladder-related issues. It would be prudent to monitor your symptoms closely and consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation if the pain continues or if you develop additional symptoms such as fever, jaundice, or severe nausea. They may recommend additional imaging studies or tests to determine the exact cause of your pain and to ensure that any potential complications from gallstones are addressed promptly.

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