Early regular diet versus clear fluids for recovery after colorectal anastomosis
The Impact of Early Regular Diet vs Conventional Clear Fluids Regimen on Colorectal Anastomosis
This trial will test whether starting a regular diet soon after a colorectal anastomosis helps people recover bowel function faster and leave the hospital sooner compared with the usual clear fluids approach.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Kasr El Aini Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Trial ID | NCT07488013 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional trial compares early initiation of a regular diet with the conventional clear-fluids regimen in patients undergoing a single, primary large-bowel anastomosis within an ERAS framework. Participants will be assigned to receive either early regular feeding or the standard clear-fluids protocol after surgery. Key outcomes include food tolerance, time to return of normal bowel habits, anastomotic leak rate, and length of hospital stay. Patients with proximal diversion, major systemic illness, need for postoperative ICU/mechanical ventilation, or pre-existing malabsorption/GI disease are excluded.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults having a single, primary large-bowel anastomosis who do not require ICU care and do not have severe comorbidities or pre-existing malabsorption disorders are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Patients with proximal diversion, severe heart/renal/liver failure, need for postoperative ICU or mechanical ventilation, or pre-existing inflammatory bowel disease or malabsorption syndromes are unlikely to be eligible or to receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, early regular feeding could shorten hospital stays and speed return of normal bowel function without increasing anastomotic leaks.
How similar studies have performed: Prior ERAS and early-feeding studies in colorectal surgery generally show early oral intake is safe and can speed recovery, though direct trials specifically comparing regular diet to clear fluids are fewer.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with a single, primary large bowel anastomosis Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with large bowel anastomosis and proximal diversion. * Patients with severe systemic illnesses or comorbidities that may impact surgical outcomes or dietary tolerance (e.g., severe heart failure, renal failure, liver failure). * Patients who require post-operative intensive care unit (ICU) admission or mechanical ventilation * Patients with pre-existing conditions that may affect gastrointestinal function or nutrient absorption (e.g., Crohn's disease, malabsorption syndromes).
Where this trial is running
Cairo
- Kasr Alainy — Cairo, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tarek Salem Mabrouk
- Email: tareksalem2018011@gmail.com
- Phone: 00201143307034
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.