Does Distal Enteral Feeding of Fibre Positively Affect the Microflora in the Distal Limb of Loop Ileostomy Patients?

What this Trial Is About

This research focuses on patients who have had a diseased section of their bowel surgically removed and often require a temporary stoma to divert bowel contents while the remaining bowel heals. The study explores whether replenishing the beneficial bacteria in the non-functioning section of the bowel before reversal surgery can reduce complications such as inflammation or poor bowel function, which affect many patients and sometimes prevent reversal surgery altogether. The study involves delivering a nutritional supplement called Ensure17, which contains amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, through a feeding tube into the defunctioned bowel segment for about four weeks. During the last 7 to 14 days of this feeding, a soluble fibre made from chicory root extract will be added to the nutrition to support the growth of healthy bacteria. This feeding method aims to improve the health of the bowel tissue and its microflora before the bowel is rejoined. Participants will be monitored through various tests to measure changes in the types and amounts of bacteria and immune cells in the bowel, as well as tissue health. Researchers will also track hospital stay length and the rate of postoperative complications during the study period. The overall participation lasts around one month, during which patients are carefully observed to assess the effects of the fibre supplementation on bowel recovery.

Enteral Feeding of Fibre to Improve Microbiota