Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Treatment
When a blockage occurs in the intestines, it can cause severe symptoms and complications. While many blockages in the intestines are caused by hernias, there is a rare form of intestinal blockage that is caused by compression from arteries in the abdomen. Super mesenteric artery syndrome is a digestive disorder where the small intestine becomes trapped between two arteries, causing a blockage. Danny Shouhed, M.D. is one of the top gastrointestinal surgeons in Los Angeles and Santa Monica who offers super mesenteric artery syndrome treatment.
Cause and Symptoms of SMA Syndrome
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome occurs when the duodenum (the first part of the small intestines) is compressed between the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal aorta. This is usually caused by excessive weight loss that results in loss of the mesenteric fat pad that keeps the SMA and abdominal aorta separated. The duodenum can become partially or completely blocked when this occurs. The symptoms of SMA syndrome include:
- Nausea and vomiting (food may be only partially digested)
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal bloating
- Belching
- Weight loss
The symptoms of SMA syndrome can be debilitating. Patients may continue losing weight to the point of anorexia. Superior mesenteric artery syndrome treatment usually begins with conservative approaches to help the patient gain weight to restore the mesenteric fat pad. However, if conservative treatments are ineffective, surgery on the small intestines may be required to stop the blockages.
Danny Shouhed, M.D. is a board certified GI surgeon with extensive experience in complex and rare digestive disorder treatment. If you have symptoms of SMA syndrome or you have been diagnosed with this condition, contact our office in Los Angeles to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shouhed to discuss the various treatment options, including minimally-invasive surgery.