Robot Assisted Laparoscopy for Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome Relief

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of robot assisted laparoscopic surgery for median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) relief. METHODS: 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 post-operatively. A comparison between the peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the coeliac artery (CA) measured pre-operatively and post-operatively was carried out. RESULTS: Nine interventions were performed. No conversion to laparotomy was required. There was post-operative abdominal pain relief in eight patients and QoL was improved in seven patients. Post-operatively, the CA PSV decreased (175 (IQR 160 - 195) cm/s vs. 365 (IQR 350 - 419) cm/s; p < .001). CONCLUSION: MALS relief with robot assisted laparoscopy is safe and provides satisfactory outcomes in terms of symptom relief and CA compression release.