Laparoscopic median arcuate ligament release: Successful management of Dunbar syndrome in a young male.

Introduction and importance: Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS), also known as Dunbar syndrome, is a rare condition caused by compression of the celiac artery and/or ganglion by the median arcuate ligament. Its incidence is poorly defined, but it typically affects lean, middle-aged women. Due to its non-specific symptoms, MALS is often underdiagnosed. Although open surgery is conventional in resource-limited settings, laparoscopic approaches offer favorable outcomes. Presentation of case: We report a case of a 24-year-old male with chronic postprandial upper abdominal pain and significant weight loss. Imaging via contrast-enhanced CT confirmed celiac artery compression consistent with MALS. He underwent successful laparoscopic median arcuate ligament release with celiac neurolysis. Discussion: MALS presents diagnostic challenges due to its overlapping symptoms with other gastrointestinal disorders. Imaging and clinical correlation are crucial for diagnosis. While open surgery remains common in low-resource settings, laparoscopy provides reduced morbidity and quicker recovery. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering MALS in chronic postprandial pain and supports the feasibility of laparoscopic decompression as an effective treatment, even in resource-constrained environments.