Effect of a Novel, Energy-Dense, Low-Volume Nutritional Food in the Treatment of Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS) is an intermittent or persistent passage obstruction that occurs in the third portion of the duodenum between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. After symptoms stabilize, the nutritional intake is started by ingesting a small amount. Recently, an energy-dense, low-volume nutritional food, Terumeal uplead® (Terumo Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) with an energy density of 4.0 kcal/mL, was launched. We report a case of a postoperative SMAS patient who was successfully treated using Terumeal uplead® through gastrostomy. An 83-year-old man who developed adhesive intestinal obstruction underwent right hemicolectomy, lysis of adhesion, and partial small bowel resection. Gastric distension persisted after surgery; thus, gastrostomy was performed for decompression and enteral nutrition on the 21st postoperative day, and enteral feeding was started on the 23rd postoperative day. However, fluoroscopy showed obstruction in the third portion of the duodenum, which was considered to be SMAS. To reduce the administration volume, enteral nutrition was replaced with Terumeal uplead® from the 28th postoperative day (intermittent administration thrice a day, 300 mL, 1,200 kcal per day). From the 34th postoperative day, the gastrostomy tube was clamped for two hours after administration, and no drainage was observed. Oral intake was resumed from the 36th postoperative day, and it was used in combination with enteral nutrition. Three months later, the patient was discharged home and continued oral ingestion with occasional decompression from the gastrostomy tube. Thus, Terumeal uplead® may be useful during the conservative treatment of SMAS by initiation with small amounts.