A 60-year-old patient was successfully treated for Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) at Gleneagles Hospitals, Mumbai
Pioneering a New Era of Precision first Robotic Surgery for Rare Conditions in Western India
Patient and Dr at Gleneagles
Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai has achieved a major medical milestone by performing Western India’s first robotic surgery for Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) — a rare vascular disorder affecting only 1–2 people per 100,000. The complex procedure was led by Dr. Jignesh Gandhi, Senior Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeon, using the advanced Da Vinci Xi robotic system.
60-year-old Patient Mr. Mahendra Sawant, resident of Chunnabhatti, Mumbai, lived with a painful reality, even a morsel or two of food would bring on unbearable abdominal pain, fullness, and repeated vomiting. Daily meals became a source of fear rather than nourishment, forcing him to go from one hospital to another without receiving a clear diagnosis. He describes his struggle as frustrating and isolating, as routine medications only masked his symptoms and never brought relief. It was only when he turned to Gleneagles Hospitals that he finally found an answer.
“MALS surgeries are technically demanding because the artery lies very close to the aorta. Robotic technology gives us unparalleled control, magnified 3D vision and precision—making it possible to treat such rare and high-risk cases safely and effectively,” said Dr. Jignesh Gandhi, Senior Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgeon, Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai.
While traditional MALS surgeries can take 2–3 hours with significant bleeding risk, the Gleneagles team completed the procedure in just 48 minutes, with negligible blood loss. The patient was walking, eating, and pain-free the next day.
“This surgery required meticulous hemodynamic monitoring and seamless teamwork,” explained Dr. Anil Parakh, Head of Anesthesiology, Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai. “Careful planning and advanced anesthesia support were key to ensuring a smooth and safe procedure.”
“This achievement reflects our commitment to bringing the most advanced surgical technology to patients—even for the rarest conditions,” said Dr. Bipin Chevale, CEO, Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai. “This successful robotic MALS surgery sets a new benchmark in complex surgical care in Western India.”
“For years, every meal meant pain and fear. I had almost given up hope of ever living normally again,” said Mr. Mahendra Sawant. “After eating even a small amount of food, I would get severe stomach pain and vomit almost every time. This went on for more than a year, and it not only affected my health but also my mind. I was constantly stressed, anxious, and even started losing hope because I couldn’t eat normally. After the surgery, it feels like I’ve got my life back. I can eat without pain, without fear. I am truly grateful to Dr. Jignesh Gandhi the entire Gleneagles team for giving me a new beginning.”
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