Laproscopic Release
What is “nerve dissection” or neurolysis?
The nerve tissue around the celiac artery (celiac ganglion/plexus) often becomes inflamed or scarred from chronic compression.
During surgery, the surgeon may:
- Carefully dissect away nerve tissue around the artery
- Remove fibrotic tissue
- Perform a celiac plexus neurolysis (freeing or partially removing irritated nerve fibers)
This is important because many MALS symptoms are believed to come from both:
- Blood flow restriction
- Nerve irritation
What surgeons are trying to achieve
The goal is to fully expose the celiac artery so it is no longer compressed. Before release:
- The artery can appear pinched or “hooked”
After release:
- Blood flow improves
- The artery expands more normally
- Pressure on nerves is reduced
Recovery
Typical recovery after laparoscopic release:
- Hospital: 1–3 days
- Light activity: 1–2 weeks
- Full recovery: 4–8 weeks
Common temporary post-op issues:
- Soreness near incisions
- Fatigue
- Appetite changes
- Diarrhea or digestive fluctuations
- Residual nerve pain while nerves calm down
Success Rates
Outcomes vary because MALS is complex and sometimes overlaps with other GI or autonomic disorders.
Roughly:
- About 60–80% of properly selected patients improve after surgery
- Some improve immediately
- Others improve gradually over months as nerves recover
Factors associated with better outcomes:
- Classic post-meal pain and weight loss
- Positive celiac plexus block before surgery
- Significant artery compression on imaging
- Symptoms clearly matching MALS