MALS Surgery – Median Arcuate Ligament Release

Median arcuate ligament syndrome, or MALS, is a condition that involves the median arcuate ligament that attaches the diaphragm to the spine. When this ligament presses on the celiac artery of the aorta and the celiac plexus, it can cause abdominal pain and other symptoms of MALS. Relieving the pressure of the median arcuate ligament on the artery and nerves through surgery can offer relief. Danny Shouhed, M.D. is a board certified gastrointestinal surgeon who offers MALS surgery, or median arcuate ligament release, through his practice in Los Angeles.

Once MALS is diagnosed, there are two main treatments that may be recommended. A celiac block injection can offer temporary relief and is commonly used as part of the diagnosis process, but it does not permanently relieve pressure on the celiac plexus nerves or aorta. MALS surgery offers a long-lasting solution to relieve the symptoms of MALS.

Minimally-Invasive MALS Surgery

While 10% of MALS surgeries are still performed through open surgery, the majority are completed using laparoscopic surgery. Dr. Danny Shouhed specializes in minimally-invasive surgery methods for all types of gastrointestinal procedures, including MALS surgery. In this procedure, 5-6 tiny incisions are made in the abdomen to access the median arcuate ligament and view the tissues through a laparoscope. The ligament is separated and released to relieve compression on the celiac artery of the aorta and irritation of the nerves of the celiac plexus.

MALS surgery usually requires an overnight stay in the hospital for observation, but most patients can return home the next day. Symptoms like abdominal pain after eating are usually relieved immediately after MALS surgery.

If you have been diagnosed with MALS and want to explore permanent treatment options, contact our office in Los Angeles. Our staff can schedule a consultation with Dr. Shouhed to discuss MALS surgery, or median arcuate ligament release.