Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) is a rare and poorly understood disease that affects many individuals worldwide. Patients with MALS present with debilitating epigastric abdominal pain, a fear of eating (sitophobia), nausea, vomiting and a poor quality of life. Patients are typically younger, with the vast majority of patients being female (80-90%). Patients may present with significant weight loss after a prolonged time to establish the diagnosis.

This unique text provides a comprehensive review of MALS and is a valuable resource for physicians and researchers hoping to better understand and manage MALS. It sheds new light on recent advancements, including the neurogenic nature of this syndrome, adoption of minimally invasive surgery for treatment, and the associated conditions that make treating the patient so challenging. Another area this book explores is the value of neurolysis alone versus celiac ganglion resection. The book reviews new data about the different surgical approaches to MALS in relation to nerve resection as well as laparoscopic and robotic approaches to surgery, highlighting the complex diagnostic work-up that is needed to accurately diagnose MALS and, more importantly, to rule out more common conditions that may mimic MALS.

Danny Shouhed, MD, FACS, Department of Surgery, Robotic Surgical Institute of Southern California, Beverly Hills, CA, USA

Omar M. Ghanem, MD, FACS, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

Kevin  El-Hayek, MD, MBA, FACS, Department of Surgery, The MetroHealth System, Case Western University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA