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Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)

Digestive Health | Last Active: Oct 29 2:54pm | Replies (1225)
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@bfort

How long ago did you have MALS surgery? And how long after did they find the problem with the Celiac artery? Has the stent been successful so far?
I had MALS surgery in May. They cut back the Ligament and all the nerves compressing the Celiac Artery. So far, I have had minimal relief from the surgery. My surgeon recently requested and I had a CT of the abdomen and Pelvis, CTA Abdomen and Pelvis both with and without contrast. I then had the Mesenteric Duplex Ultrasound. The velocity numbers were still high. The conclusion was that the MALS was gone, but my Celiac Artery went from being 50% blocked in March to now 75% blocked. They want to do a angiogram angioplasty to try to clear the blockage. If that doesn't work, they would do a stent or bypass. I have heard from many people on MALS PALS that the stents fail alot and was wondering what your experience has been so far with your stent. I'm very nervous and concerned as to what to do. Thanks.

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Replies to "How long ago did you have MALS surgery? And how long after did they find the..."
Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Nov 17, 2022

@bfort
I had MALS surgery 1/2015. The ligament was cut as well as many of the nerves in celiac plexus.
6 months later the symptoms returned and I had first stent placed. They said the celiac artery was still very compressed due to the ligament pressure. I was followed annually for a while. The artery with stent was still deformed, but blood flow was good- until recently. Before another procedure a week ago I was more miserable than ever for a few months and lost weight due to not eating much. A new stent was placed. I’m still waiting to hear details next week.
Slowly I’m having less and less symptoms and can eat more now.
The surgeon didn’t guarantee a good outcome- just like they did not do at my first surgery. I never hesitated going ahead- there was minimal quality of life.
An open revascularization is another option mentioned that might be necessary.
I would do that too if this doesn’t work.
These decisions are difficult to make, especially if someone has other serious medical problems.
I’m 78 and I have other health conditions that might worsen and might make me a worse surgical candidate.

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