Omar M. Ghanem – författare

Obesity is an epidemic - more than 40% of the United States population suffers from obesity and, as such, it has a high burden of weight-related conditions and diseases.  Metabolic and bariatric surgery has proven to be the most effective and durable treatment of severe obesity.  Technological advances including applications of laparoscopy, robotics and endoluminal techniques have rapidly advanced this field.  Data and outcomes examining treatments have also improved and, as providers, we have a wide spectrum of therapeutic options to treat patients.

As techniques and outcomes change rapidly, access to a comprehensive yet focused resource regarding bariatric surgery is currently limited.  The third edition of this manual is designed to present a comprehensive and state-of the-art approach to the current and future status of metabolic and bariatric surgery.  Sections will address the evolution in specific treatments available to patients, initial evaluation, and selection of procedures for individual patients, the latest surgical and endoscopic techniques being employed to treat patients including data on outcomes, and future directions for therapy.  In particular and unique amongst references, a major focus of this text will be on both the bariatric and metabolic bases of therapies and outcomes.

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.