Outcomes of Pediatric Median Arcuate Ligament Release: A Single-Center Experience

jpedsurg.org

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare condition caused by compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament. The surgical treatment for MALS is a median arcuate ligament release (MALR). While outcomes of MALR are well described in adults, pediatric data remain limited. Leveraging our extensive institutional experience, we sought to address this gap by reporting the largest single-institution cohort of pediatric patients undergoing MALR at a standalone children’s hospital.

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Article · Apr 2026 · 1 min read

In brief

This study presents the largest single-center cohort of pediatric patients undergoing median arcuate ligament release (MALR) for MALS, a rare vascular compression syndrome. The research addresses a significant gap in pediatric surgical outcomes data, providing evidence-based insights for managing celiac artery compression in children.

MALS results from celiac artery compression by the median arcuate ligament, causing abdominal symptoms in pediatric patients.
Median arcuate ligament release (MALR) is the definitive surgical treatment for MALS in children.
Pediatric MALR outcome data are limited compared to adult literature, creating a knowledge gap in surgical decision-making.
Single-institution cohort studies provide valuable evidence for rare pediatric vascular conditions like MALS.
Standalone children's hospitals with high case volumes can generate meaningful data on uncommon pediatric surgical procedures.

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