Why Does a Man Experience Pain on the Left Side of His Belly Button?

Update Date: 2024-05-20 Source: Network

Male patients experiencing pain on the left side of the belly button may be suspected of having ureteral stones. In such cases, it is recommended to undergo color Doppler ultrasonography of the kidney, ureter, and bladder, as well as urine routine tests. If necessary, CT scans of the kidney, ureter, and bladder should be performed. Through these examinations, it can be determined whether there are stones in the kidney and ureter, as well as whether there is kidney hydronephrosis.

If stones are present, the treatment approach should be determined based on their size. For small stones, such as those with a diameter less than 0.5cm, it is recommended to increase water intake, urinate frequently, and take medication to promote the expulsion of stones from the body. For stones larger than 0.5cm, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy can be considered to break up the stones and allow them to be expelled. Larger stones may require surgical intervention.

Ureteral stones are generally caused by kidney stones that temporarily become lodged in a narrow section of the ureter during their expulsion process. Primary ureteral stones are rare. If ureteral stones are not expelled, they may gradually grow at the site of lodgment. Ureteral stones are usually accompanied by distinct symptoms such as renal colic and hematuria. They often cause obstruction and kidney hydronephrosis, which require emergency treatment.

X-ray imaging of the urinary system can be used as a preliminary examination method for ureteral stones, although approximately 10% of ureteral stones may not be visible on X-ray. As most of the ureter is obscured by intestinal tubes and bones, ultrasonography generally can only detect the upper segment of the ureter, making it not an ideal method for diagnosing ureteral stones. The definitive diagnosis of ureteral stones relies on CT scans and intravenous urography (IVU).