Early Introduction of Regular Diet Versus Extended Low Residue Restriction After Colon Surgery
Northwell Health
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a 10 day low-residue diet restriction is better for bowel function and quality of life without increasing complications compared to a 6 week low-residue diet restriction after elective colon resection surgery. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does a shorter time period of low residue restriction result in a faster return to normal bowel function? Are there any differences in complication rate between a 10 day low-residue diet restriction compared to a 6 week low-residue diet restriction? Participants will be randomized to one of the two diet plans and will be asked to answer surveys about their bowel function and health care related quality of life at various time points for up to 3 months.
Description
Patients who undergo colon resection surgery are often instructed to adhere to a low residue (low insoluble fiber) diet for at least the first 1-2 weeks after surgery. This approach is based on limited previous literature that associates stool burden in the first three to seven days and the risk of leakage from the new connection in the colon (anastomotic leakage). However, there is no clear consensus on how long this low residue diet should last, and low residue diets can negatively affect bowel function-related quality of life. The investigators hypothesize that resuming an unrestricted diet…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients who have elective colon resection with anastomosis Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who have an ostomy as part of their surgery * Patients who undergo emergency surgery * Patients who do not follow the enhanced recovery protocol (the standard postoperative protocol for patients undergoing elective colon resection) * Patients less than 18 years of age * Vulnerable populations: fetuses, pregnant women, children, cognitively impaired, hospital employees, students, healthy controls, prisoners, and other institutionalized individuals
Interventions
- OtherShort term (10 day) low residue diet restriction
Patients will have an unrestricted diet (as opposed to a low residue diet restriction) 10 days after surgery.
- Other6 week low residue diet restriction
Patients will be restricted to a low residue diet for 6 weeks after surgery. After this period, their diet will be unrestricted.
Locations (2)
- North Shore University HospitalManhasset, New York
- Long Island Jewish HospitalNew Hyde Park, New York