Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is caused by celiac trunk (CT) compression by the median arcuate ligament. Clinically, this pathology varies from postprandial pain (Dunbar syndrome) to a life-threatening hemorrhage because of a rupture of a gastroduodenal artery aneurysm (GAA). Due to the low prevalence of this disease, there is no standard management for MALS.
This was a single-center, retrospective study of 13 patients. Two groups were identified on the basis of the initial clinical presentation: those operated for a GAA rupture (bleeding group-BG) and those operated electively for Dunbar syndrome (Dunbar syndrome group-DG). The primary endpoint was 30-day postoperative complications of a systematic laparoscopic release of the median arcuate ligament and stenting during the same procedure.
Seven patients (54%) underwent elective surgery. Six patients (46%) underwent semiurgent repair under elective conditions post-embolization for GAA bleeding. The total operative time was longer in the BG (p = 0.06). Two patients in the BG suffered early major complications and needed reintervention, and those in the DG had a lower comprehensive complication index. No mortality was reported at 30 days. Overall median length of stay was 5 days (IQR: 3.5-15.3). Patients in the DG had a significantly shorter length of stay (p = 0.02). At 6 months, the primary and secondary CT stent patencies were 82% and 100%, respectively. There were no high-flow GAA recurrences.
A combined approach of laparoscopic release of the median arcuate ligament and stenting during the same procedure is feasible and safe, and this approach must be systematically discussed in symptomatic patients.