Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)

I found him through MALS Pals on Facebook. That group has a list of MALS surgeons. Also I started searching the group history for surgeons who had done revisions. I found mentions of Dr. Sprouse as being a "scar tissue expert" which I knew would be a major issue reoperating on me. But it was really his patients, one in particular who encouraged me to see about an appointment. I ended up consulting 4 surgeons and he was the one I felt most comfortable with. At this point I'm hoping all I ever need in the future is a stent, and he will be doing ultrasounds to be sure the artery has stayed open.

@lety83 - Have you had follow up visit after surgery? I don’t think you should have pain after eating at this point. It is possible that your celiac artery is still not fully open.
It happened to me after 6 months- the artery was still deformed from the ligament pressure. A stent was placed and I have been fine since then.
You probably should contact the surgeon to make sure blood flow is good.

@jhmontrose - Such great news!! Such a shame it took 3 surgeries to repair- how did you find this surgeon?
I’m so happy for you!

Ralph-Mayo has not been known to treat Mals correctly. Go to Facebook and join MALS awareness. There is a wealth of information which is how I found a diagnosis after 16 years of doctors tell me it was nothing. Unless you address the ligament and cut it back to the spine and address the nerves you will always have problems Hope to see you there!

Hi all, I just wanted to give a positive update. I had a 3rd (yes 3rd!) MALS surgery last week with Dr. Sprouse in TN, who has done around 100 MALS surgeries. He did a catheter angiogram and found that there was a remaining spot of compression on my celiac artery, almost completely blocking it. His opinion is that the prior surgeons did not follow the entire course of the artery from where it branches off the aorta and all of its branches.. My stomach has been 100% better and I feel like I can breathe deeply again. The incision pain is my only issue since surgery. Hopefully this will be lasting relief, but we will keep following up with ultrasound to be sure the artery stays open. My advice to anyone going through MALS the first time or still not getting relief: keep pushing for answers and work with an experienced MALS surgeon.

Ralph, I understand now what a terrible situation you are in! 22 years!
I asked my director, Colleen Young, to give you more information on how to get into Mayo. Arizona appears to be harder to get into. Please consider Mayo in Rochester, MN and in Jacksonville, FL. I have been to both. Superb.

Hi: They didn’t know. How could they not know, mals causes lack of blood flow to the intestines. They had an unconcerned attitude. This is why l feel need help soon. I have suffered too long and then die because of lack of proficient medical care. I’m very upset and need to get medical help now. Does anyone know where l can get the care l need without waiting another 6 months or longer to be treated ? The chronic pain now has been intolerable, l live at home in a room isolated, with no help from others, l feel lm dying on the vine and my doctors are not alarmed to the extent of my medical conditions. For your answer lngegerd, l have had 1 gastric by pass, the necrotic intestine removal (recissions), and another recission. I have been on TPN off and primarily on TPN for 22 years. Another GI doctor said in his written report, that the gastric by pass doctor botched my surgery. He clearly said in his findings report l have , this doctor mutilated my intestines.
I do not know about ‘’my numbers’’ you mentioned. UCI always tell me they are uncertain, l need to get away from UCI, asap. Again, does anyone know where l can be diagnosed ? And sooner than latter? My condition worsens weekly, lm doing my Will this week, l Truely need help. Hope all is well with
all of my brothers and sisters suffering. Ralph@gmail.com

Hi Ralph, I add my welcome. It sounds like you've been looking for resolution to your digestive issues for quite some time. With respect to getting an appointment at Mayo Clinic, unfortunately Mayo Clinic has more requests for appointments than available openings. You may wish to read the tips that others offer in this discussion:
- Can't get an appointment: Any tips on what to do? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cant-get-an-appointment/

Hi: lam Ralph a new member, l hope you are doing well. I have been looking beyond The Mayo Clinic in Arizona, a hospital who speciality is surgery of the median arcuate ligament release. I would be grateful if you or any one else knows. Thank you,

@rbertolino85 - Hi Ralph!
I had the MALS surgery 7 years ago and shortly after a stent was placed in the celiac artery- no symptoms since. A general GI surgeon removed the ligament and a vascular surgeon placed the stent.
You mentioned that you had surgery to remove necrotic bowel- what was the cause? Is this the reason why you receive TPN?
You also mentioned that your numbers are too risky? Can you elaborate more?
What diagnosis has your current GI given you?