Grant: Project Grant

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer in Canada. The most common surgical procedure in patients with CRC is an intestinal resection followed by a reconnection to rejoin the ends of the remaining bowel. Among the postoperative complications, leaking of this intestinal connection is notably feared, affecting up to 20% of patients. These leaks are characterized by impaired intestinal healing and are associated with severe infections and even death. Various studies have shown that gut microbiota, the bacteria living in the digestive tract, plays an essential role in intestinal healing following surgery. These results support the possibility of enhancing intestinal healing through dietary supplements, such as dietary fibers, that act as an energy source for gut bacteria. The present study aims to determine the effect of preoperative fiber supplementation on intestinal healing and surgical recovery following colorectal surgery. Therefore, a pilot randomized clinical trial will be conducted to assess the feasibility of conducting a large study to assess the effect of a preoperative intervention on anastomotic healing. More precisely, the study will assess if the proposed protocol is doable and acceptable for patients with CRC. The pilot study will provide novel insights into strategies to prevent colorectal surgery complications. In addition, we will further test individual responses to several fibers, paving the way for personalized microbiota-modifying interventions. Improving surgical outcomes to prevent leaks would ultimately prevent the implantation, dissemination, and metastasis of cancer cells.