Robotic-Assisted Release of the Median Arcuate Ligament for Pediatric MALS
Median arcuate ligament syndrome is a chronic abdominal pain syndrome characterized by epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting.
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The pain in MALS is usually worse after meals and eventually leads to anorexia and weight loss.
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MALS is a diagnosis of exclusion hypothesized to be caused by compression of the celiac artery and celiac plexus by the median arcuate ligament, a fibrous band at the intersection of the left and right diaphragmatic crura.
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Multiple imaging modalities are useful in identifying celiac compression for MALS diagnosis, including CTA, MRA, and conventional angiography.
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Dynamic flow changes in MALS can be evaluated by duplex ultrasound, with flow restriction worsening during expiration due to changes in the position of the diaphragm.
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Due to the presence of a mechanical constriction, the treatment for MALS is surgical release.
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Robotic MALS surgery offers improved 3-dimensional visualization, flexibility and end or wrist motion for challenging angles, elimination of tremor, and scaling of motion for fine dissection in a limited space.
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In robotic MALS surgery, dissection is approached through a window in the lesser omentum.
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Early identification of the celiac trifurcation is a key step in robotic MALS surgery.
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Ganglionectomy is performed as encountered during the dissection of fibrous bands and perivascular connective tissue in MALS surgery.
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Dissection in MALS surgery proceeds from distal to proximal towards the origin of the celiac axis.
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Some MALS cases require dissection of right crural fibers to reach the base of the celiac artery.
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Division of the median arcuate ligament can be accomplished by standard hook electrocautery, bipolar energy devices, or a vessel sealing device.
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Residual celiac trunk tortuosity may persist after initial median arcuate ligament release.
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Dissection must continue along the anterior wall of the aorta down to the pre-adventitial plane from caudal to cranial for around 4 centimeters.
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Circumferential dissection down to the pre-adventitial plane must be accomplished around the origins of the left gastric artery, the common hepatic artery, the splenic artery, and the celiac trunk.
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Significant improvement in celiac trunk appearance is observed after complete circumferential dissection.
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Following proper surgical technique, median arcuate ligament release can be accomplished safely in the pediatric population with good results.
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MALS surgery carries the risk of injury to important vessels due to proximity to critical anatomy.
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With the exposure and visualization provided by the robotic approach, vascular complications in MALS surgery can be addressed minimally invasively.
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An avulsion of a small aortic branch during MALS surgery can be controlled with steady pressure applied via suction irrigator, temporized with a clip, and repaired with pledgeted sutures intracorporeally.
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Persistent Abdominal Pain - Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome: Update Course 2014
Median arcuate ligament syndrome pathogenesis is unknown; unclear whether mesenteric ischemia or neurogenic stimulation from nerve compression is the mechanism.
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In adolescents with MALS, abdominal pain is more frequently post-exercise rather than postprandial, unlike the adult presentation.
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MALS is a diagnosis of exclusion requiring extensive negative workup including upper and lower endoscopy, CT enterography, nuclear medicine studies, and imaging.
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Dynamic CT angiography with both inspiratory and expiratory phases is critical for diagnosing MALS anatomically.
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Duplex ultrasound celiac artery velocity above 300 cm/s is suggestive of MALS; different labs use different thresholds.
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Pediatric MALS literature consists of only two small studies showing safety in experienced centers and some quality-of-life improvement in highly selected patients.
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Laparoscopic MALS release involves millimeter-by-millimeter division of median arcuate ligament fibers staying anterior on the aorta to avoid vessels; the compressed artery is not visible until partial release.
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Arterial stenosis requiring patch repair occurs in adults over 40–45 years but not in adolescents with MALS.
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MALS patients should be plugged into pain service or psychology before surgery for postoperative support, often done in conjunction with gastroenterology.
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