Robotic Median Arcuate Ligament Release

Katherine Fay, MD

Product Details
Product ID: ACS-6067
Year Produced: 2020
Length: 8 min.


Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare clinical syndrome caused by the compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament. While clinically rare with an estimated incidence of 2 cases per 100,000 persons, it may be radiographically present in up to 27% of people. Patients usually present with a triad of symptoms including postprandial pain, weight loss, and vomiting. We present a 23-year-old male with a history of chronic abdominal pain with mesenteric ultrasound and inspiratory arteriography concerning for MALS. The patient was taken to the operating room and underwent a robotic surgical decompression and celiac ganglionectomy approached through the lesser curve. All branches of the celiac trunk were well visualized and preserved. The patient was discharged on postoperative day one, tolerating a regular diet with return of bowel function. By his postoperative clinic visit, the patient had no abdominal pain and was not requiring any narcotic pain medication. Minimally invasive surgical management of MALS allows for better visualization of pertinent vasculature, shorter hospital length of stay, and reduced need for postoperative pain medication.