When a blockage occurs in the intestines, it can cause severe symptoms and complications. While many blockages in the intestines are caused by hernias, there is a rare form of intestinal blockage that is caused by compression from arteries in the abdomen. Super mesenteric artery syndrome is a digestive disorder where the small intestine becomes trapped between two arteries, causing a blockage. Danny Shouhed, M.D., is highly regarded as the best Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome surgeon in the United States, serving patients from all over California and the rest of the country from his state-of-the-art practice located in Beverly Hills.
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome occurs when the duodenum (the first part of the small intestines) is compressed between the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal aorta. This is usually caused by excessive weight loss that results in loss of the mesenteric fat pad that keeps the SMA and abdominal aorta separated. The duodenum can become partially or completely blocked when this occurs.
The symptoms of SMA syndrome can be debilitating. Patients may continue losing weight to the point of anorexia.
Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome treatment usually begins with conservative approaches to help the patient gain weight to restore the mesenteric fat pad. However, if conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical intervention becomes an option to relieve duodenal compression.
Danny Shouhed, M.D. is a board-certified GI surgeon with extensive experience in complex and rare digestive disorder treatment. If you have symptoms of SMA syndrome or you have been diagnosed with this condition, contact our office in Beverly Hills to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shouhed to discuss the various treatment options, including minimally-invasive surgery.
Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) Syndrome is a condition that may develop in patients who have unchecked Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS). When MALS is not addressed, patients develop a fear of eating due to severe pain and distressing symptoms, which leads to substantial weight loss. This weight loss causes the fat pad between the abdominal aorta and superior mesenteric artery to diminish. Consequently, the duodenum, or intestine, may become compressed, resulting in SMA Syndrome, accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and additional weight loss. Approximately 1⁄3 of the patients we see in our practice for SMA Syndrome develop the condition because they first had MALS. Additionally, around 10% of patients with MALS will go on to develop SMA Syndrome.
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