Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) is a rare condition in which the median arcuate ligament, a band of tissue in the diaphragm, compresses the celiac artery—a major blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the upper abdominal organs. This compression leads to restricted blood flow, causing pain, discomfort, and a variety of digestive symptoms. Fortunately, there are effective ways to address MALS and relieve its symptoms, primarily through surgery.
Symptoms of MALS
Before diving into treatment options, it's essential to recognize some common symptoms of MALS:
Severe upper abdominal pain after eating
Unintentional weight loss
Nausea and vomiting
Bloating
Fatigue and dizziness
Because MALS symptoms can mimic other gastrointestinal issues, diagnosing it often requires imaging tests such as Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, or MRI to confirm the compression of the celiac artery.
Surgical Treatments for MALS
While medications can help manage the symptoms, the only effective way to fix MALS is through surgery. The goal of the surgery is to release the compression on the celiac artery by cutting or removing the median arcuate ligament. Here are two advanced surgical techniques commonly used to treat MALS:
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery, also known as minimally invasive surgery, is one of the primary approaches used to treat MALS. During this procedure, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen. A thin tube equipped with a camera, called a laparoscope, is inserted into one of the incisions, allowing the surgeon to see the affected area.
The surgeon then uses specialized instruments to cut or remove the median arcuate ligament and free the celiac artery. Benefits of laparoscopic surgery include:
Smaller incisions
Less postoperative pain
Faster recovery time
Lower risk of infection and complications
Laparoscopic surgery offers a highly effective way to treat MALS while minimizing the impact on the patient's body. Most patients can expect to return to normal activities within a few weeks after surgery.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is an even more advanced option for treating MALS. This technique also uses small incisions, but instead of the surgeon directly handling the instruments, they control robotic arms from a console. The robotic arms offer greater precision, flexibility, and control than the human hand.
During robotic surgery, the median arcuate ligament is carefully divided to relieve the compression on the celiac artery. Some of the benefits of robotic surgery include:
Enhanced precision due to the high-definition 3D view of the surgical site
Reduced risk of damaging surrounding tissues
Faster recovery and less scarring
Better outcomes for patients with complex anatomical variations
Robotic surgery is increasingly being adopted for MALS treatment because of these advantages, especially in complex cases where precision is paramount.
Recovery After MALS Surgery
Whether you undergo laparoscopic or robotic surgery, recovery is generally swift. Most patients experience significant relief from their symptoms within a few weeks, although full recovery may take a few months. Postoperative care typically includes pain management, rest, and a gradual return to regular activities.
In the days following surgery, you’ll likely notice an improvement in abdominal pain and digestive issues. However, as with any surgery, it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend follow-up appointments to monitor progress.
Book a Consultation with Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New York Today
Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome can cause debilitating symptoms, but laparoscopic and robotic surgeries offer effective solutions for fixing the condition. By releasing the compression on the celiac artery, these minimally invasive techniques provide patients with symptom relief and a better quality of life.
If you’ve been diagnosed with MALS, schedule a consultation with Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New York to discuss which surgical option is best suited for you. Contact our office in New York, New York, by calling (212) 879-6677 to book an appointment today.
