MALS is a condition that occurs when the median arcuate ligament, a band of tissue connecting the diaphragm to the spine, exerts undue pressure on the celiac artery of the aorta and the celiac plexus nerves. The consequences can be excruciating, with patients experiencing persistent abdominal pain, digestive issues, and other distressing symptoms. Diagnosis is the first crucial step in the journey to recovery, and once MALS is confirmed, patients are often presented with two primary treatment options.
Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) can be a debilitating condition, causing chronic abdominal pain and other distressing symptoms. Fortunately, there is hope for relief through a procedure known as MALS surgery, or Median Arcuate Ligament Release. This surgical intervention is designed to alleviate the pressure on the celiac artery and nerves caused by the tightness of the median arcuate ligament, ultimately providing respite from the agonizing symptoms. Danny Shouhed, M.D., has a long, professional, research-based history treating patients with MALS.
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If you've been diagnosed with MALS and are seeking a permanent solution to your symptoms, you may be wondering where to get MALS surgery. Dr. Danny Shouhed, based in Los Angeles, is a trusted expert in this field. His practice specializes in gastrointestinal surgery, including MALS surgery, and he is dedicated to providing patients with the highest level of care.
If you're ready to explore your treatment options, don't hesitate to contact Dr. Shouhed's office. The experienced staff can schedule a consultation to discuss the possibility of MALS surgery, also known as median arcuate ligament release. With the advancement of minimally-invasive techniques, relief from the burden of MALS is more accessible than ever before, offering patients the opportunity to regain control of their lives and enjoy a future free from chronic abdominal pain and discomfort. After finally getting an accurate diagnosis for their abdominal pain from Dr. Shouhed, many patients wouldn’t choose any other physician for MALS surgery.
Traditionally, MALS surgery was performed using open surgical techniques, which required a more extensive incision and a longer recovery period. However, advancements in medical technology have revolutionized the way this surgery is approached. Today, the majority of MALS surgeries are completed using minimally-invasive laparoscopic techniques.
Dr. Danny Shouhed, a board-certified gastrointestinal surgeon based in Los Angeles, is at the forefront of this medical evolution. He specializes in robotic surgery for a wide range of gastrointestinal procedures, including MALS surgery. This approach offers numerous benefits to patients, including reduced post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays (usually overnight), and faster recovery times.
In robotic MALS surgery, the surgeon makes 4-5 small incisions in the patient's abdomen. Through these tiny openings, a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera and surgical instruments, is inserted. This allows the surgeon to navigate and visualize the area with precision. The key objective is to access the median arcuate ligament and perform the necessary ligament release while minimizing trauma to the surrounding tissues.
During the procedure, Dr. Shouhed meticulously separates and releases the median arcuate ligament. This alleviates the compression on the celiac artery of the aorta and relieves irritation of the nerves within the celiac plexus. The minimally-invasive approach not only reduces the risk of post-operative complications but also results in smaller scars and a faster return to normal activities for patients.
I can't say enough about how amazing Dr. Shouhed is! He truly cares about his patients and helping them feel better. After struggling with Mals and SMaS for two years Dr. Danny Shouhed did everything to help me get a diagnosis and the surgery I need.
After undergoing laparoscopic MALS surgery, patients typically require an overnight stay in the hospital for observation. This ensures that any potential complications are promptly addressed, and patients are monitored as they begin their recovery journey. Most individuals, however, are able to return home the very next day, marking the start of their path towards a life free from the debilitating symptoms of MALS.
One of the most gratifying aspects of MALS surgery is the immediate relief it often provides. Symptoms that have plagued patients, such as abdominal pain triggered by eating, are frequently alleviated as soon as the ligament release is performed. This rapid response underscores the effectiveness of this surgical approach in treating MALS.
MALS surgery, specifically median arcuate ligament release, is a promising solution for individuals suffering from the debilitating effects of Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome. With the evolution of minimally-invasive laparoscopic techniques, patients can now benefit from shorter recovery times and rapid relief from their symptoms. If you, like many patients, have searched “MALS surgeon near me” in search of a permanent solution to MALS, consulting with an expert like Dr. Danny Shouhed can be the first step towards answering the question of where to get MALS surgery and thereby regaining your quality of life.
Dr. Shouhed’s work in this area includes publishing an article supporting the hypothesis that MALS includes a neurogenic component. This hypothesis is supported by the discovery of abnormal scarring of nerve plexus and ganglion in the majority of patients.
These results were established through the pathological testing of resected nerve ganglion and plexus. Most patients will therefore benefit from resecting the celiac ganglion and plexus of nerves, in addition to median arcuate ligament decompression. Diagnosis of MALS may include a range of imaging and other tests to eliminate common abdominal conditions.
Performing a celiac ganglion nerve block is also useful in establishing the likely effectiveness of celiac ganglion and nerve plexus resection. The procedure temporarily produces similar levels of relief which may indicate the presence of scarring in the targeted area.
Celiac block injections are frequently used as part of the diagnostic process, offering temporary respite from the pain associated with MALS. However, while these injections can provide valuable insights and relief, they do not constitute a permanent solution. MALS surgery, on the other hand, offers a long-lasting remedy to the condition, addressing the root cause by releasing the pressure on the celiac artery and nerves.
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