Preoperative Ketogenic Diet to Reduce Fat in the Liver Before Surgery
Official title: Implementation of a Preoperative Ketogenic Diet for Reduction of Hepatic Steatosis Prior to Hepatectomy: a Randomized Control Trial
Run by Western University, Canada · NCT05884723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a short, very low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet before liver surgery can reduce liver fat and improve surgical outcomes for patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer and NAFLD.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 124 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Western University, Canada Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2032 |
| Registry record updated | May 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05884723 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 years or older with NAFLD or hepatic steatosis undergoing liver resection for colorectal liver metastases and able to use a nutrition-tracking app.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without hepatic steatosis, those not undergoing planned liver resection, or those unable to follow a very low-carbohydrate diet may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial compares a 4-week preoperative ketogenic diet to standard dietary consultation in patients with fatty liver undergoing liver resection for colorectal liver metastases. All participants track their intake with a nutrition app, and outcomes include intraoperative blood loss and operating room time, as well as postoperative complications. The aim is to see if lowering liver fat before surgery improves perioperative and disease outcomes. No drug interventions are used; the intervention is a structured diet supervised by dietitians. The study is conducted at London Health Sciences Centre/Western University with lead sponsor Anton Skaro.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, a preoperative ketogenic diet could reduce surgical risks and improve recovery for patients with fatty liver undergoing liver surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies suggest liver fat can be reduced with diets, but randomized trials of a preoperative ketogenic diet for liver surgery are limited, making this approach relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients 18 years of age or older undergoing any type of liver resection (e.g. wedge, formal hepatectomy), either open or laparoscopic, for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) * Patients with evidence of hepatic steatosis on pre-operative imaging (CT or MR) or biopsy. * Ability to use an app based nutritional program to track macronutrient uptake throughout the dietary intervention. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing liver resection for any other indication * Patients on sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors (these are contraindicated with a ketogenic diet). * Patients without evidence of hepatic steatosis. * Patients with evidence of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis on preoperative bloodwork or imaging. * Patients with alcohol-related hepatic steatosis. * Patients with a known bleeding disorder.
Where it's running
-
London Health Sciences Centre/Western University
London, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anton Skaro, MD PhD — London Health Sciences Centre/Lawson Health Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Anton Skaro, MD PhD
- Email: Anton.Skaro@lhsc.on.ca
- Phone: 519-685-8500
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.