Robot Assisted Laparoscopy for Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome Relief

Abstract

To evaluate the outcomes of robot assisted laparoscopic surgery for median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) relief. This was a single centre and retrospective study, including all consecutive patients with symptomatic MALS treated with robot assisted laparoscopic surgery. Symptom relief and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated postoperatively. A comparison of the peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the coeliac artery (CA) measured pre-operatively and postoperatively was carried out. Nine interventions were performed. No conversion to laparotomy was done. Postoperative abdominal pain relief was found in eight patients and QoL was improved in seven patients. Postoperatively, the CA PSV decreased (175 ± 33.93 cm/s vs. 365 ± 50.16 cm/s; p < .001). MALS relief with robot assisted laparoscopy is safe and provides satisfactory outcomes in terms of symptom relief and CA compression release.