High-fibre diet to alter gut microbiome pre-colorectal cancer surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Does a high-fibre dietary intervention to alter the gut microbiome in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer improve post-surgery outcomes.
IRAS ID
365018
Contact name
Ahsan Javed
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Bowel cancer affects nearly 44,000 people in the UK each year, and thousands undergo major surgery to treat it. Before surgery, many patients now participate in "prehabilitation," a process designed to improve their physical, nutritional, and mental health to better prepare them for the procedure and recovery.
This study focuses on the nutritional aspect of prehabilitation, specifically the role of a high-fibre diet. Fibre is known to promote a healthy gut, and research suggests it can positively influence the gut microbiome—the collection of microorganisms in the digestive system—by encouraging the production of beneficial compounds like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These compounds can improve gut health and potentially enhance the body’s ability to recover from surgery.
In this study, 30 adults preparing for elective colorectal cancer surgery will follow a personalized meal plan created by a specialist dietitian. The goal is for participants to consume 40 grams of fibre per day for at least two weeks before their surgery. We will analyse participants’ gut microbiome and metabolome (the chemical processes in the body) before and after the intervention to assess how their gut health changes.
This research aims to determine whether the dietary intervention is feasible and beneficial for these patients. If successful, it could provide evidence for including high-fibre diets as a standard part of prehabilitation for colorectal cancer surgery. By improving gut health and overall resilience, this approach may reduce post-surgery complications and help patients recover more quickly.
This study could contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting the importance of diet in preparing for surgery and improving outcomes for people undergoing treatment for bowel cancer.REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/WM/0049
Date of REC Opinion
14 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion