Where does gallstone pain occur?

Aug 23, 2021 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Mou Dongpo
Introduction
Gallstone pain commonly manifests as right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain, located beneath the right costal margin, often accompanied by referred pain to the right scapular region. Gallstones may also cause epigastric pain occurring 1–2 hours after eating—particularly after consuming fatty foods. When a gallstone becomes impacted in the cystic duct, it can produce severe, persistent, and unremitting pain localized beneath the xiphoid process.

Pain from gallstones typically manifests as right upper quadrant pain, located beneath the right costal margin, often accompanied by referred pain to the right scapular region—this is a classic clinical presentation of gallstones. Gallstones may also cause epigastric pain occurring 1–2 hours after meals, particularly following ingestion of fatty foods. Gastroscopy in such cases usually yields no positive findings. When a gallstone becomes impacted in the cystic duct, it can produce severe, persistent, and unremitting pain localized beneath the xiphoid process—a common presentation of acute abdomen.

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