Watch This Video Of Dr. Anuj Dua Explaining MALS
Dr. Anuj Dua - What Is MALS?
Do You Have MALS?
Median arcuate ligament syndrome, or (MALS), is a rare, complex, under-diagnosed disease that often causes chronic, debilitating pain in the upper part of the abdomen. People with MALS are born with an anatomic abnormality of the their diaphragm and median arcuate ligament, causing the median arcuate ligament to compress the celiac artery, a major branch of the abdominal aorta, and the celiac nerve ganglion and plexus of nerves. This pressure can lead to blood flow changes, as well as nerve entrapment and inflammation, resulting in extreme pain, sitophobia (fear of eating), significant weight loss, constipation and diarrhea.
Once MALS is diagnosed, there are two main treatments that may be recommended. A celiac block injection can offer temporary relief and is commonly used as part of the diagnosis process, but it does not permanently relieve pressure on the celiac plexus nerves or aorta. MALS surgery offers a long-lasting solution to relieve the symptoms of MALS.
Minimally Invasive Robotic MALS Surgery
Dr. Anuj Dua is uniquely qualified to offer patients innovative robotic surgery as a treatment option for MALS. He has published multiple peer-reviewed articles on MALS and is recognized across the country as one of the authoritative figures on the diagnosis and treatment of MALS. He is not only an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of MALS, but with the superior skill provided by Dr. Anuj Dua, robot-assisted MAL release can be performed safely and effectively with the avoidance of conversion events and minimal morbidity.
The robotic approach will allow for a very precise and delicate dissection with release of the ligament,” says Dr. Anuj Dua. In this procedure, 5-6 tiny incisions are made in the abdomen to access the median arcuate ligament and view the tissues through a laparoscope. The ligament is separated and released to relieve compression on the celiac artery of the aorta and irritation of the nerves of the celiac plexus.
MALS surgery usually requires an overnight stay in the hospital for observation, but most patients can return home the next day. Symptoms like abdominal pain after eating are usually relieved immediately after MALS surgery.
If you have been diagnosed with MALS and want to explore permanent treatment options, contact our office in Los Angeles. Our staff can schedule a consultation with Dr. Anuj Dua to discuss MALS surgery, or median arcuate ligament release.
Anuj Dua, MD, FACS
Dr. Anuj Dua is an expert in foregut disease and disorders that involve the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. He is a nationally renowned mentor and educator, going across the country to train other attending surgeons and residents in MALS and robotic surgery. Patients suffering from MALS travel from around the globe to have consultations with Dr. Anuj Dua. With his extensive knowledge and specialized training, Dr. Anuj Dua is uniquely qualified to offer patients innovative robotic surgery as a treatment option for MALS. He has published multiple peer-reviewed articles on MALS and is recognized across the country as one of the authoritative figures on the diagnosis and treatment of MALS. He is not only an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of MALS, but with the superior skill provided by Dr. Anuj Dua, robot-assisted MAL release can be performed safely and effectively with the avoidance of conversion events and minimal morbidity. There are only select few surgeons in the country who can perform this type of surgery.
“It is important to be very strategic and calculated to make sure that the diagnosis is correct. The robotic approach can then allow for a very precise and delicate dissection with release of the ligament,” says Dr. Anuj Dua.
Dr. Anuj Dua graduated from UCSD School of Medicine and completed his general surgery residency at Cedars Sinai, where he developed his passion for minimally invasive surgery of the gastrointestinal tract. He then went on to complete fellowship training in metabolic (bariatric), endocrine and minimally invasive surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital. Dr. Anuj Dua was immediately recruited back to join the division of Minimally Invasive GI Surgery at Cedars Sinai Hospital. He is the associate director of the Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery fellowship and was appointed to be the director of the Robotic Catalyst program. Dr. Anuj Dua has presented his work and been invited to speak at numerous national and international conferences and meetings. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and chapters in the Journal of JAMA Surgery, JACS, Archives of Surgery and other reputable journals, including several articles specifically on MALS.
Top Los Angeles MALS Surgeon Dr. Anuj Dua Publishes Medical Journal Article Titled, “Clinico-Pathologic Findings in Patients with Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome
Testimonials
He is a super great Doctor! He is full of love compassion and true understanding of pain for he patients. I feel so blessed having him lead my team. Thank God for a real Doctor.
Like every other person who left comments, I can't say enough about this man. He had to repair damage left by a different surgeon two years ago. and the operation took seven hours. If I had listened to the first surgeon who told me that nothing was wrong with me, there is a good chance that I might have died from the complications.
Dr. Anuj Dua is simply incredible. He has always been accessible even during odd hours. Random texts from him checking in on me is something I wasn't accustomed to. He is caring and skilled as a surgeon. I have never felt rushed during an appointment as he provides a personal welcoming atmosphere. His staff is first rate.
Daniel is an amazing doctor and truly cares for you. He goes above and beyond to make sure you’re doing before surgery and after surgery. I had hernia surgery in October and Daniel did an AMAZING job! I highly recommend him!
Highly recommend, I had major surgery and made a full recovery. He backs his confidence with great results. Cannot express enough how bad of shape I was in and how incredible my recovery was. I am very thankful to have had him as head surgeon.
Dr. Anuj Dua is an excellent surgeon. I knew I was in great hands when I met him. He is also a great guy. My surgery was a success and if I ever need another surgery, which I hope I won't, I'll want him!
Dr. Anuj Dua is my husband’s physician at Cedars. He is the best, I can’t say enough great things about him; I don’t have time tonight.
I had great experience with him.He is so professional and patient.I had very short recovery time after my surgery.And my scares healed so fast.
I can't say enough good things about Dr. Anuj Dua and his team. From initial consult to post op visit (both video due to Covid but fantastic) I had a superb experience with him. He understood my health concerns and goals and did an excellent job counseling me through my surgical plan.
Dr. Anuj Dua and his team are excellent. Super knowledgable, I never felt insecure or embarrassed, I felt totally supported by his entire staff, and appreciated the kind care and courtesy they all afforded me and other patients. My surgery went well, I have lost 85% of expected weight loss in just under a year (103 lbs!).
I had 3 surgeries by Dr. Anuj Dua I was very complicated case. I continue to communicate with him cause I love him so much! He has wonderful bedside manner and is straight forward straight shooter. Great person as well. Really love him a lot!!
I had an absolutely incredible experience with Dr. Anuj Dua and his team. When I found out I needed surgery I wanted to have it as quickly as possible. Dr. Anuj Dua's team appreciated this urgency and did their best to accommodate me. Dr. Anuj Dua was incredibly knowledgeable and sensitive about my condition and concerns.
Dr. Anuj Dua did a minimally invasive laparoscopic gallbladder removal on me about a year ago and the results were fantastic ! I didn't have any complications and it truly was minimally invasive ! I walked out with a few Band-Aids closures and I was in the hospital just for two days for observation.
Hi, my name is Hugh and i received robotic surgery in April of this year (2021). Dr. Anuj Dua was my surgeon and spoke to my wife and myself explaining in detail the instructions I was to follow prior to my surgery. He is an expert in robotic surgery and we both felt very reassured because of his experience.
TRAVELING FOR MALS Surgery With Dr. Anuj Dua
At Dr. Anuj Dua’s office, our entire team strives to make your personal experience as stress-free as possible. Our highly trained and dedicated staff are prepared with information for your travel options, accommodations and points of interest as well. Please call our office today for help with any of your travel arrangements: