Laparoscopic Treatment of Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome: Analysis of Long-Term Outcomes and Predictive Factors

Abstract

Background: Laparoscopic arcuate ligament release has been demonstrated a valid therapeutic option for arcuate ligament syndrome. Nevertheless, long-term follow-up and predictive factors have not been described for this treatment.

Methods: Clinical and surgical data and short- and long-term outcomes together with the impact of the degree of stenosis of the celiac trunk were analyzed in 13 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic arcuate ligament release between 2001 and 2013.

Results: Thirteen patients (12 F/1 M) underwent surgery. The median age was 32 years old, and their mean body mass index was 20.7 (range 14.7-25). The 13 patients presented with intense postprandial abdominal pain. Ten cases were associated with weight loss. The median duration of symptoms was 24 months (range 2-240). Three patients presented symptoms associated with superior mesenteric artery syndrome. Median operative time was 120 min (range 90-240), and there were no conversions to open surgery. Median hospital stay was 3 days (range 2-14). Over a median follow-up of 117 months (range 45-185), nine patients had excellent results although two required endovascular procedures at 70 and 24 months after surgery. Four patients (30.7%) experienced poor outcomes. When we analyzed the impact of the degree of occlusion of the celiac trunk, we observed that in patients with severe occlusion (> 70%), better results were obtained, with complete resolution of symptoms in 71% of cases.

Conclusion: Laparoscopic arcuate ligament release constitutes an excellent treatment for arcuate ligament syndrome. The degree of occlusion of the celiac trunk may be a factor predictive of long-term outcomes.