Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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General pediatric surgeon Alejandro Garcia answers questions about the MALS/SMAS Program at the Children’s Center, which provides minimally invasive procedures for hard-to-diagnose conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The rare program specializes in diagnosing and treating this condition in children. Learn more about the general pediatric surgery program at hopkinsmedicine.org/johns-hopkins-childrens-center/what-we-treat/specialties/pediatric-surgery-center/mals-and-smas-program #mals #johnshopkins #smas

0:12 What are MALS and SMAS and how are they different?
0:47 How do doctors diagnose this condition, and what treatments are available?
1:21 How common is this diagnosis in children? How does it differ when diagnosed in children compared to adults?
1:44 When should a doctor refer a patient to a surgeon for this condition?
2:08 Who will be part of the care team?
2:41 What should be expected during recovery and show will it affect daily activities?
3:03 How is this program different from those at other children's hospitals?
3:33 Is there any ongoing research about MALS or SMAS?