Since its introduction as an alternative intestinal lengthening technique, the serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) procedure has been used increasingly as the surgical treatment of choice for children with short bowel syndrome (SBS). On the other hand, there are few report of its efficacy in adults with SBS, particularly those who have previously undergone a gastrectomy. This case report describes a 34-year-old woman with a short bowel after an esophagectomy and total gastrectomy due to lye ingestion followed by an extensive intestinal resection due to small bowel strangulation. The STEP procedure was performed successfully and the small intestine was lengthened from 55 to 75 cm. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was weaned off total parenteral nutrition. The frequency and characteristics of diarrhea improved, and her weight remained acceptable via management with intermittent parenteral nutritional support for 6 months postoperatively. This case suggests that the STEP procedure should be considered for gastrectomized patients with SBS.

Accurate measurement of body composition between lean and adipose tissue mass and distribution of lipid burden may be important in the care of nutritional problems in patients observed in clinical practice and the measurement of outcomes in clinical research. In this review, we discuss the most accurate imaging methods for use as clinical tools in measurement of body composition and distribution. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a non-invasive technique for assessment of body composition, and the radiation exposure is relatively minimal. However, measurements are influenced by thickness of tissue and lean tissue hydration. Computed tomography (CT) is a gold-standard imaging method for body composition analysis at the tissue-organ level, however the radiation generated by the CT scan is relatively high, thus it should not be considered for a measurement, which can be repeated frequently. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been a useful modality in the assessment of body composition changes in various clinical studies. However, limitations of MRI for assessment of body composition are related to its high cost and technical expertise necessary for analysis. Proper methods for measurement of body composition in specific medical situations like sarcopenia should be evaluated for determination of comparative validity and accuracy, within the context of cost-effectiveness in patient care. In conclusion, an ideal body imaging method would have a significant utility for earlier detection of nutritional risks, while overcoming the limitations of current imaging studies such as DXA, CT, and MRI.