[Celiac trunk compression syndrome by the median arcuate ligament. Laparoscopic approach]

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS), or celiac trunk compression syndrome, is caused by extrinsic compression of median arcuate ligament, prominent fibrous bands and periaortic nodal tissue. In many cases is asymptomatic, but it may manifests with symptoms such as postprandial abdominal pain or during exercise, nauseas, vomiting and weight loss. Trough less invasive diagnostic techniques, such as doppler ultrasound for screening and preoperative angiotomograhpy, it is possible to obtain good results, comparable to those with arteriography. Surgical treatment by laparoscopic approach is a safe and effective technique. A symptomatic case that required surgical treatment, a laparoscopic approach, with clinical and imaging improvement after the procedure, is presented.