Pain Between the Liver and Gallbladder: Symptoms and Concerns

Pain upon palpation between the liver and gallbladder?

Hello Doctor, about two weeks ago, I started experiencing a vague stabbing pain around my navel.
I noticed pinkish urine on two occasions during urination, and since then, my urine has been yellow but foamy.
Additionally, I have a painful sensation in my bladder, and I have difficulty controlling the direction of my urine, which sprays uncontrollably like a shotgun.
I went to a clinic for an ultrasound, and the doctor diagnosed me with small kidney stones.
When the doctor pressed between my liver and gallbladder, I felt significant discomfort, but there was no pain when my back was tapped.
I only felt discomfort in the area between my liver and gallbladder.
Concerned, I visited the urology department at the hospital, where I underwent a bladder ultrasound, chest X-ray, and urinalysis, all of which came back normal.
The doctor prescribed pain medication for observation, and my urination has improved.
However, since I did experience pink urine, I have noticed that when I sleep in certain positions that put pressure on the area between my liver and gallbladder, I feel significant pain and hear sounds similar to stomach growling.
Occasionally, even without pressure, I experience stabbing pain.
Given that these symptoms seem to be occurring more frequently, I would like to ask the doctor what these symptoms indicate.
Is everything really okay? If there are urgent symptoms, should I seek help from a gastroenterologist?

Bao, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/09/22

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

You can observe, apply heat, and pay attention to your posture.
If symptoms persist, you may visit the gastroenterology outpatient clinic for further evaluation.

Reply Date: 2023/09/22

More Info

Understanding pain in the area between the liver and gallbladder can be complex, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as changes in urination and abdominal discomfort. Based on the symptoms you've described, including the intermittent sharp pain around the navel, pink-tinged urine, and the sensation of pain upon pressing the area between the liver and gallbladder, there are several potential concerns to consider.

Firstly, the presence of pink urine can indicate hematuria, which is the presence of blood in the urine. This can arise from various conditions, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or bladder issues. The fact that you experienced this symptom alongside abdominal pain suggests that there could be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. The foaminess of your urine may also indicate proteinuria, which can be a sign of kidney problems or other systemic issues.

The pain you feel when pressing on the area between the liver and gallbladder could be related to several factors. Given that you have been diagnosed with small stones, it is possible that these stones are causing irritation or inflammation in the biliary system, leading to discomfort. Gallstones can cause biliary colic, which is characterized by severe pain in the upper right abdomen, and can sometimes radiate to the back or shoulder. If the stones are obstructing the bile duct, this could lead to further complications, such as cholangitis or pancreatitis.

Moreover, the fact that you have experienced a change in your bowel habits and the sensation of loss of control when urinating could suggest a more systemic issue, potentially involving the kidneys or bladder. It is essential to consider that the urinary and gastrointestinal systems are closely linked, and issues in one can often affect the other.

Given your symptoms and the recent ultrasound findings, it would be prudent to follow up with a gastroenterologist. They can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of your liver and biliary system, including further imaging studies or blood tests to assess liver function and check for any signs of infection or inflammation. Additionally, they can help determine if the gallstones are causing your symptoms and whether any intervention is necessary.

In summary, while some of your symptoms may not indicate an immediate emergency, they do warrant further investigation. The combination of abdominal pain, changes in urination, and the presence of gallstones suggests that there could be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Seeking a consultation with a gastroenterologist is advisable to ensure that any potential complications are identified and managed appropriately. Remember, early intervention can often prevent more serious complications down the line, so it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

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