One of the most frustrating things you can go through is having sharp, cramping pain after almost every meal, yet all your tests come back completely normal, and no doctor seems to have an explanation. 

Some people with chronic abdominal pain spend months or even years moving between specialists, trying new diets, taking medications, and undergoing unnecessary procedures without finding a clear cause for their symptoms. In some cases, the missing diagnosis is Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS), a rare vascular compression disorder that affects an estimated two out of every 100,000 people. 

Because MALS can cause symptoms that closely resemble those of other common gastrointestinal conditions, it is often overlooked by gastroenterologists unfamiliar with rare GI conditions. Read on to learn how to recognize the symptom patterns of MALS and where to find the best MALS doctor in Los Angeles for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

Why Is MALS Frequently Overlooked?

Median arcuate ligament syndrome is a rare condition that occurs when a band of tissue called the median arcuate ligament compresses the celiac artery and the network of nerves surrounding it. This compression can interfere with blood flow and irritate the celiac plexus, which plays an important role in digestive function and pain signaling. The result is a collection of symptoms that often resemble more common gastrointestinal disorders.

One reason MALS is frequently overlooked is that many of its symptoms overlap with conditions that physicians encounter every day. Abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, and weight loss can occur in a wide range of digestive disorders. Because MALS is uncommon, it is usually not included in the initial diagnostic workups when you see a routine GI doctor. This means you can end up spending considerable time investigating other possible explanations before considering vascular compression. 

What Are the Symptoms of MALS?

The most common symptom of MALS is abdominal pain that develops after eating. This pain is described as a deep, aching, or cramping sensation in the upper abdomen that begins shortly after meals. Over time, the pain can become severe enough that patients begin avoiding food because they associate eating with discomfort. Many patients also experience nausea, vomiting, bloating, early fullness, unintentional weight loss, or feeling exhausted after meals.

What If I Have MALS?

The road to a MALS diagnosis can be long and frustrating, but with the best MALS treatment in Los Angeles, there is a light at the end of that tunnel. 

Getting to the right diagnosis usually begins with recurring abdominal pain that leads to visits with primary care physicians, gastroenterologists, emergency departments, and other specialists. The first tests you may undergo include blood work, imaging studies, endoscopy procedures, colonoscopy evaluations, and dietary changes to identify the cause of your symptoms.

In many cases, the results of these only provide partial answers or appear largely normal. Getting misdiagnosed with acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, or anxiety-related digestive symptoms is common. While these conditions can certainly cause discomfort, treatment does not resolve the underlying problem when MALS is present. This pattern of persistent symptoms usually leads people to see the best MALS doctor in Los Angeles, and that’s when true relief can begin.

Which Conditions Are Commonly Mistaken for MALS?

MALS shares symptoms with many digestive disorders, including: 

  • GERD
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Gastroparesis
  • Peptic ulcer disease
  • Functional gastrointestinal disorders 

The challenge becomes even greater when patients have more than one digestive condition simultaneously. This is why a thorough evaluation and choosing a provider known for the best MALS treatment in Los Angeles is so important. 

How Is MALS Treated?

Treatment for MALS needs to be personalized because every case is different. It begins with getting an accurate diagnosis. For patients whose symptoms are affecting their ability to eat, maintain weight, or participate in daily activities, MALS surgery is the most effective treatment option. The goal of surgery is to release the median arcuate ligament and remove pressure from the celiac artery and surrounding nerves. After treatment, most patients experience meaningful improvements in pain, food tolerance, weight stability, and quality of life. 

Where to Find the Best MALS Surgeon in Los Angeles 

When chronic abdominal pain begins to shape nearly every part of daily life, from meals and social activities to physical health and emotional well-being, it’s time to see a surgeon who specializes in evaluating and treating complex gastrointestinal conditions, including MALS.

Dr. Danny Shouhed is a nationally recognized, board-certified surgeon with advanced expertise in robotic gastrointestinal and foregut surgery. He completed his surgical training at Cedars-Sinai and his fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, one of the country's leading centers for minimally invasive surgery. In addition, he has published more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific articles and contributes to national committees that help shape standards in foregut and minimally invasive surgery. 

Ready to finally get answers and the gold standard of treatment from the best MALS surgeon in Los Angeles?