Pain below the right rib cage - which department to visit?

When experiencing pain below the right rib cage, it is recommended to select the appropriate medical department based on the specific cause of the pain. 1. Orthopedics: If the pain is caused by local trauma or costochondritis, such as rib fractures or soft tissue injuries, orthopedics should be consulted. 2. Thoracic Surgery: If the pain is caused by thoracic conditions, such as pleural effusion or pneumothorax, thoracic surgery should be consulted. 3. Gastroenterology: If the pain is related to the digestive system, such as cholecystitis or gallstones, gastroenterology is recommended. 4. Hepatobiliary Medicine: For suspected hepatobiliary diseases, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, hepatobiliary medicine may also be considered. Additionally, based on accompanying symptoms and signs, such as general fatigue or jaundice, consultations with other departments might also be necessary. Before visiting a doctor, patients can perform a simple self-assessment to understand the possible causes of the pain, thereby choosing the appropriate department more accurately.