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Coeliac artery compression syndrome: the effect of decompression
R H Geelkerken1, J H van Bockel, W K de Roos
1Department of Surgery, University Hospital, Leiden, The Netherlands.
The British Journal of Surgery
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Surgical decompression for coeliac artery compression syndrome offers temporary symptom relief. Long-term follow-up reveals symptom recurrence in all patients, questioning the procedure's efficacy for vague abdominal pain.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Abdominal Pain Syndromes
Background:
- Coeliac artery compression syndrome (CACS) is a condition where the median arcuate ligament obstructs blood flow to the coeliac artery.
- Surgical decompression aims to alleviate symptoms associated with CACS, but long-term outcomes require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term efficacy of surgical decompression for coeliac artery compression syndrome.
- To assess symptom recurrence and patient-reported outcomes after surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 11 consecutive patients with CACS underwent surgical decompression.
- Patient-reported symptoms were assessed immediately post-operation and via long-term follow-up questionnaires (15-23 years).
Main Results:
- All 11 patients experienced immediate symptom relief post-surgery.
- Three patients (27%) had recurrent abdominal pain within three months.
- All eight patients with long-term follow-up reported symptom return, similar to pre-operative complaints.
Conclusions:
- Surgical decompression for CACS provides only transient symptom relief.
- The procedure is not recommended for patients with non-specific upper abdominal pain and median arcuate ligament compression without other identifiable pathologies.
- Long-term outcomes suggest limited benefit, necessitating a re-evaluation of surgical indications for CACS.