Dr. Danny Shouhed

Dr. Danny Shouhed Performing advanced treatments or surgery for abdominal and gastrointestinal disorders are our specialties at the practice of Danny Shouhed, M.D.

in Beverly Hills CA. https://linktr.ee/DrDannyShouhed

05/29/2026

You wouldn’t want a pilot who ‘dabbles’ in landings, right? Then why settle for a surgeon who ‘dabbles’ in MALS or SMAS? These are incredibly complex, high-stakes issues. I see this scenario all the time: surgeons who are excellent at common procedures, like gallbladder surgery, trying their hand at a MALS release. But if you don’t fully decompress the nerve, or you’re not recognizing how these syndromes overlap, patients don’t get better, and sometimes they don’t know why. In my practice, this is all I focus on. I’m constantly correlating symptoms, imaging, and things like nerve block response to make sure we’re treating the right problem the right way. Because a technically “successful” surgery doesn’t mean much if the patient still has pain afterward. A lot of these cases don’t look like the textbook. The anatomy can vary, the symptoms can overlap, and that’s where experience really matters — knowing what to look for, what to address, and just as importantly, what not to miss.

05/22/2026

Over the years, as a surgeon, I’ve noticed that MALS and SMAS are often treated as completely separate problems. You’ll see physicians who focus on MALS, and others who focus on SMAS, but not many who are really looking for both at the same time. The issue is, anatomically, they sit right next to each other. So if a patient has one, it’s not a stretch to think they may have the other or may develop it over time. I see a number of patients who’ve had surgery for one condition and don’t fully improve, and when we take a closer look, there’s a second compression that was never addressed. It’s not that anything was done ‘wrong,’ it’s just that the full picture wasn’t considered. For patients, this can be frustrating because they feel like they did everything right and still aren’t better. In my practice, I try to evaluate both from the beginning, because treating one without at least thinking about the other can leave part of the problem behind. Book a consultation with me, and we’ll make sure we don’t miss anything.

05/13/2026

One rare syndrome is tough enough. So what if you have two? Every so often, a patient comes in, and we realize that they don’t just have one compression syndrome. They have both MALS and SMAS. It’s more common than you might think. Around 80% of patients with SMAS also have MALS, and about 10–20% of people with MALS can go on to develop SMAS, often after losing weight. Why? Well, these two areas are anatomically very close together. MALS compresses the celiac artery and the surrounding nerves near the top of the abdomen. SMAS, just below that, compresses the duodenum between the aorta and SMA. So when one part of that anatomy shifts, it can affect the other. But here’s the key: having both doesn’t always mean both need surgery. We look carefully at symptoms and confirm with nerve blocks or imaging to understand which compression is really driving the pain or digestive issues. It’s one of the reasons a thorough workup matters so much, especially in complex or overlapping cases. Getting the anatomy and physiology right is how we improve quality of life in the long run.

05/04/2026

You run 5 miles a day, your gut is happy until it isn’t. Why? I’ve started noticing something interesting: a pattern among young, very athletic patients. We’re talking runners, gymnasts, and college athletes; all people who are super fit, lean, and active. Sometimes, these patients start developing intense digestive symptoms that don’t make sense for how healthy they are. They’ll say things like, ‘I used to run every day, now I can barely walk after I eat.’ That can sometimes be Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome, or SMAS. It happens when the duodenum, which is part of your small intestine, gets compressed between the aorta and the SMA, the artery that supplies blood to much of your gut.

Now, we don’t fully know why it happens in athletes. Maybe it’s the posture from training, maybe inflammation from repetitive motion, or maybe it’s just body type: tall, lean, low body fat. But we do know it’s not rare among people with that build. If you’re an active person with unexplained nausea, fullness, or abdominal pain after meals, especially if you’ve lost weight, SMAS is one of those hidden conditions worth knowing about.

04/29/2026

Ask this one question, and you’ll know if compression syndrome was considered: ‘Did you check for celiac artery or SMA compression?’ Most won’t unless they’re looking for it. On a CT, the signs can be subtle. If every test, such as endoscopy, labs, or CT, keeps coming back ‘normal,’ but eating still hurts, don’t stop asking questions. If you’ve lost weight, have pain with everything you eat or drink, and have no clear diagnosis, you deserve a deeper look. Sometimes a simple nerve block confirms what the scans miss. You’re not crazy, and it’s not ‘‘just stress.’ These are real syndromes. While rare, they are real, and knowing the right question to ask can change everything.

04/22/2026

Many MALS patients say, ‘My pain’s everywhere: back, chest, stomach.” And it doesn’t seem to make sense. But it actually does. Heartburn, back pain, nausea? Maybe it’s the diaphragm talking, not the heart. The celiac ganglion, which is the nerve we target in MALS surgery, sits deep near the aorta. When it’s compressed, pain can radiate upward into the chest, around the ribs, or into the back. It can trigger nausea, bloating, and even heart palpitations. That’s why so many people go through cardiac workups or gallbladder scans before anyone mentions MALS. I tell patients: your pain isn’t in your head; it’s in your nerves. Once we decompress that nerve, everything starts to make sense again.

04/13/2026

For SMAS, even the way you sit can change how you feel after eating. Here’s why: when you lie flat, the artery presses harder on your intestine. Sitting upright or leaning forward takes the pressure off, helping food move through. Many patients naturally hunch forward after meals because it’s their body’s way of finding relief. Small, frequent meals work better than big ones. Puréed or soft foods digest more easily than dense, fibrous ones. Think smoothies, soups, and well-chewed bites. These aren’t cures, but they’re ways to live a little better while we plan your next step. Simple positioning, smart portions, steady progress. The takeaway? Eat less, lean forward, and lie on your left side, because small moves make a big difference.

04/03/2026

Every patient asks, ‘How long will it take to feel normal again?’ We make tiny incisions, but there are big changes. Here’s what recovery really feels like. After robotic MALS surgery, you’ll stay in the hospital one to three days. Most people feel 80 percent better by two weeks, 95 percent by six weeks, and nearly complete by three months. SMAS recovery is longer and tougher. Expect a hospital stay of five to seven days. Many patients feel worse before they feel better. Nausea can linger, and nutrition may need support for several weeks. But it’s not only physical. It can be emotional as well. You’ve lived with pain for so long that even eating again can cause fear. Healing is as much about trust as it is about tissue. Give yourself grace. You’re recovering, and you’re reclaiming life.

“Dr. Shouhed is the best doctor I have ever had, he gives you the right expectations, and he delivers on getting you bac...
03/30/2026

“Dr. Shouhed is the best doctor I have ever had, he gives you the right expectations, and he delivers on getting you back your life the way it should be, Quality.”

For patients struggling with chronic GERD, persistent acid reflux, and hiatal hernia symptoms, daily discomfort can gradually impact every aspect of life. When reflux does not respond to medication or conservative treatment, a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is critical.

At our Los Angeles practice, patients receive detailed evaluation, clear surgical expectations, and specialized expertise in foregut surgery, GERD treatment, and minimally invasive hiatal hernia repair.

Relief begins with understanding the underlying cause. If you’re ready for thoughtful, expert guidance that prioritizes your well-being, you’re in the right place; reach out to us for a consultation with Dr. Danny Shouhed.

Is your reflux caused by a hiatal hernia?A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm in...
03/27/2026

Is your reflux caused by a hiatal hernia?

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This disruption of normal anatomy can contribute to GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), chronic heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, and difficulty swallowing.

There are different types of hiatal hernias, including sliding hiatal hernias and paraesophageal hernias. While some small hernias may cause minimal symptoms, larger or paraesophageal hernias can lead to more significant reflux and, in certain cases, complications.

Surgical repair may be recommended when:
• Symptoms persist despite medical management.
• GERD is severe or ongoing.
• There is a risk of obstruction or strangulation.
• Quality of life is significantly affected.

Hiatal and paraesophageal hernia repair involves restoring the stomach to its proper position and repairing the diaphragm opening. This is often performed using minimally invasive techniques, and in select cases, robotic technology may be utilized to enhance precision.

At our Los Angeles practice, patients receive comprehensive evaluation and advanced treatment for hiatal hernia, paraesophageal hernia, and GERD-related conditions.

If chronic reflux or swallowing symptoms are interfering with daily life, further evaluation may be appropriate.

If you have symptoms of a stomach hernia or want to explore treatment options for a hiatal hernia, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Danny Shouhed.

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Beverly Hills, CA
90211

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