Robotic median arcuate ligament release: management algorithm and clinical outcomes from a large minimally invasive series

Background Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare and debilitating condition that remains difficult to diagnose. Proper patient selection remains key to achieving favorable outcomes for those undergoing MALR. The robotic technique facilitates a minimally invasive MALR approach given the fine precision of the instrumentation and stability of visualization. Here we describe our management algorithm and clinical outcomes for a large series of robotic MALR patients. Methods This retrospective cohort study analyzed adult patients who underwent robotic MALR performed by a single surgeon at a tertiary academic hospital from 2014 to 2021. The diagnosis of MALS was made using objective criteria from celiac artery duplex ultrasound with a peak systolic velocity of > 350 cm/s combined with a right upper quadrant abdominal ultrasound, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and computer tomography or magnetic resonance angiography to exclude other diagnoses. Information on patient demographics, perioperative factors, and patient reported symptoms up to 1-year post-operatively were collected. Results A total of 74 patients underwent robotic MALR during the study period. The mean age was 27.3 +/- 7.9 years and the majority of patients were female (n = 60/74, 81.1%). The most common presenting symptom was post-prandial abdominal pain (n = 65/74, 87.7%). The mean operative time was 52.6 +/- 18.1 min. There were no conversions to open surgery and minimal blood loss (mean = 13.9 +/- 8.4 mL). At 3-months, 12% (n = 9/74) of patients had persistent abdominal pain and underwent additional imaging. 5 of these 9 patients had persistently elevated DUS expiratory PSV and were referred for angioplasty. 3 of these 5 referred patients had resolution of abdominal pain after angioplasty. At 1-year follow up, 90.3% (n = 56/62) continued to have no abdominal pain. Conclusions Through this series, the largest set of minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) MALR procedures published to date, we show that with strict adherence to a management algorithm, the robotic approach to MALR is safe and feasible, with good patient outcomes.