Receiving a diagnosis of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome can feel like finding a missing puzzle piece, especially when you’ve been dealing with symptoms for months or even years. For some, finally getting a diagnosis can also open a door to uncertainty about what happens next. 

SMA is a rare digestive condition that affects only about 0.013% to 0.3% of the general population. If you're among those recently diagnosed, you're likely experiencing a mix of emotions: relief that your symptoms have a name, validation that your struggle is real, and perhaps anxiety about treatment options and lifestyle changes ahead. 

The journey with SMA Syndrome varies for each person, but understanding what this diagnosis means becomes your first step toward managing your health effectively. Read on to get a breakdown of treatment options, practical strategies to help you navigate life with SMA Syndrome, and where to find the best SMA doctor in Los Angeles. 

What is SMA Syndrome?

SMA syndrome occurs when the superior mesenteric artery compresses a portion of the duodenum against the aorta, creating a partial intestinal blockage. This compression restricts food from passing normally through your digestive tract, leading to significant discomfort and digestive issues. 

People with SMA syndrome typically experience:

  • Severe abdominal pain after eating
  • Early satiation, or feeling full quickly  
  • Nausea 
  • Forceful vomiting of partially digested food
  • Weight loss 
  • Difficulty eating increasingly 

The sum of these symptoms creates a troubling cycle since the loss of fat padding around the artery can actually worsen the compression. 

This condition may develop following significant weight loss, after surgeries involving the digestive system or affecting posture, or birth defects that impact posture. Though it is a rare condition, SMA syndrome requires proper medical attention from the best superior mesenteric artery doctor in Los Angeles to prevent malnutrition and further complications.

SMA Syndrome Treatment Options

Treatment for SMA syndrome typically starts with addressing nutrition to help you regain weight and rebuild that crucial fat cushion between the artery and duodenum. Some immediate recommendations from your doctor may include: 

  • Eating smaller, more frequent meals that are high in calories but easy to digest. 
  • For some patients whose symptoms make eating difficult, nutrition might be delivered through a feeding tube placed beyond the compression point or, in severe cases, through IV nutrition. 
  • Certain positions after eating, like lying on your left side or leaning forward, can help food move more easily through the compressed area. If these approaches don't bring relief after several weeks or if your symptoms are severe, SMA surgery might be necessary. 

Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Surgery

Surgery becomes an option when nutritional support and weight gain strategies haven't improved your symptoms or when your condition is severe enough to threaten your health. While the thought of surgery might feel overwhelming, understanding your surgical options can help you have informed conversations with your healthcare team about which approach might work best for your specific situation. 

There are three types of surgery for SMA syndrome. Each type aims to relieve the compression on your duodenum when conservative treatments haven't worked: 

1. Duodenal Derotation with Duodenal Duodenostomy

This surgery involves repositioning the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum, and reconnecting it to itself. By changing the position of the duodenum, this procedure creates more space for food to pass through without getting blocked. This approach addresses the physical compression directly and can be effective for patients whose physical anatomy makes them good candidates for this technique.

2. Duodenojejunal Bypass

As one of the most common surgical treatments for SMA syndrome, this procedure takes a slightly different approach. Rather than trying to fix the compressed section, this surgery creates a new pathway for food to travel by connecting the part of the duodenum before the compression to the next section of the small intestine, known as the jejunum. This creates a detour around the blocked area. Food can then bypass the compressed section entirely. This procedure has a high success rate and is often preferred because it doesn't require adjusting the position of major blood vessels.

3. The Strong Procedure  

The Strong Procedure involves cutting the ligament that holds the superior mesenteric artery in place and moving the duodenum to a new position where it won't be compressed. By releasing this ligament, the surgeon can reposition the duodenum to the right of the superior mesenteric artery instead of being trapped underneath it. This creates more space and allows food to pass through normally again. This procedure is less invasive than some alternatives but may not be suitable for all patients. 

What is the Prognosis for Individuals with SMA Syndrome?

When SMA Syndrome is caught early and treated properly, the outlook for people with it is generally positive. Most patients who follow their treatment plan, whether it's nutritional therapy, lifestyle changes, or surgery, experience significant relief from symptoms and can return to normal eating patterns. Recovery time varies depending on how severe the condition is and which treatment approach works for them. 

If SMA syndrome goes undiagnosed or untreated for too long, complications like malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, and dehydration can develop and make recovery more challenging. Some patients may experience occasional symptom flare-ups during times of stress or illness, even after successful treatment. The key to a good outcome is working closely with your healthcare team, following your treatment plan consistently, and seeking help right away if symptoms worsen or return. 

Where to Find the Best SMA Syndrome Treatment in Los Angeles

Have you recently been diagnosed with SMA Syndrome? Dr. Danny Shouhed, a board-certified digestive specialist in Los Angeles and a renowned bariatric surgeon, offers cutting-edge treatments, including robotic duodenal procedures that minimize recovery time and lead to long-term symptom improvement. 

Our entire team of highly skilled professionals will come alongside you to help you toward the journey of recovery with a deep commitment to compassionate, personalized care. We combine advanced surgical mastery with the best SMA treatment in Los Angeles. With Dr. Shouhed’s patient-centered approach, technical precision, and extensive experience with rare digestive disorders, our patients can expect the most advanced and effective SMA treatment in Southern California.

Ready to get relief from SMA symptoms from the best superior mesenteric artery doctor in Los Angeles?