If you're one of the millions of people who experience complex abdominal pain from issues like Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, or gynecological issues like pelvic pain, our expert physicians and surgeons may be able to help.
Abdominal pain has many potential causes — such as gas pains, indigestion or a pulled muscle — most of which aren't considered serious. However, complex abdominal pain can be very serious and may require urgent medical attention.
The conditions that cause acute abdominal pain are usually accompanied by other symptoms that develop over hours to days. Causes can range from minor conditions that resolve without any treatment, like a common stomach ache, to more serious medical emergencies. Chronic abdominal pain is often difficult to determine and symptoms may range from mild to severe, coming and going but not necessarily worsening over time.
Abdominal pain that steadily worsens over time is called progressive and is often accompanied by the development of other symptoms. It is usually serious.
Make an appointment with your doctor if your abdominal pain worries you or lasts more than a few days, and always seek help if your abdominal pain is severe and is associated with trauma, such as accident or injury or if you have pain or pressure in your chest. Seek immediate care if you have:
Dignity Health Arizona has specialists treating the various causes of abdominal pain. You may begin your journey to finding relief by seeing one of expert providers at Dignity Health Cancer Institute. There they will assess your symptoms and treat your pain. If the pain requires further treatment, you may be referred to one of the Dignity Health Arizona hospitals or the Dignity Health Cancer Institute for more advanced treatment including surgery.
Our team of providers specialize in colon and rectal surgery, gynecology, gynecologic oncology, urology, and other disciplines. We collaborate to take care of patients who have been unable to access care for complex abdominal conditions or are referred specifically to us for this level care.
Dr. Patel received his medical degree from Seth G.S. Medical College/University of Mumbai in India. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Columbia University affiliated St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York. Subsequently, he continued his academic career as a Staff Physician in the Department of Hospital Medicine at Cleveland Clinic. He completed a fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at Case Western Reserve University/ Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland, Ohio where he focused on the management of gastrointestinal cancers. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Dr. Patel received his medical degree from Seth G.S. Medical College/University of Mumbai in India. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Columbia University affiliated St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York. Subsequently, he continued his academic career as a Staff Physician in the Department of Hospital Medicine at Cleveland Clinic. He completed a fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at Case Western Reserve University/ Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland, Ohio where he focused on the management of gastrointestinal cancers. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Dr. Powell’s expertise includes all colon, rectal and anal conditions, including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids, and other anal problems. She is trained in endoscopy, laparoscopic, trans-anal and robotic surgery. She is board certified in General Surgery and Colon and Rectal Surgery. She is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Dr. Powell specializes in multidisciplinary re-operative surgery and welcomes patients traveling from a distance.
Dr. Powell’s expertise includes all colon, rectal and anal conditions, including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, hemorrhoids, and other anal problems. She is trained in endoscopy, laparoscopic, trans-anal and robotic surgery. She is board certified in General Surgery and Colon and Rectal Surgery. She is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Dr. Powell specializes in multidisciplinary re-operative surgery and welcomes patients traveling from a distance.
We are able to treat high-risk patients, including those routinely turned down for surgery at other medical centers. Our team also includes experts in nursing, nutrition, pharmacology and more to help you on your way to better health.
Being a woman comes with a long list of many wonderful things in life, but pelvic pain is nowhere on that list. One in seven women will experience pelvic pain during her lifetime. Our caring doctors at Dignity Health offer high-quality pelvic pain surgery to relieve your discomfort and help you get back to your life.
The cancer institute, located on the campus of the Phoenix Biomedical Campus, offers world-class cancer treatment built around you. Our team approach allows for multiple specialties to provide input, enabling us to create a treatment plan tailored for your unique needs.
