BOUNCED: Feasibility study of a 4 stage bowel obstruction cancer diet
Research type
Research Study
Full title
BOUNCED: Managing oral diet following a diagnosis of sub-acute bowel obstruction: a feasibility study exploring the efficacy of a 4 stage Bowel ObstrUctioN CancEr Diet and quality of life in cancer patients
IRAS ID
272626
Contact name
Lindsey Allan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Surrey County Hospital
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Bowel obstruction is a common complication in patients with ovarian, peritoneal and bowel cancer due to a mass or spread of disease, causing narrowing to the gut, as these cancers can grow on the bowel surface. Certain foods may lead to symptoms such as pain, bloating, feeling full, feeling sick, vomiting and difficulty passing a bowel motion.
There is limited evidence to establish the best diet to follow when someone is diagnosed with the risk of bowel obstruction and is experiencing symptoms after eating and drinking.
The Dietitians at the Royal Surrey have developed a 4 stage bowel obstruction diet which they have been using with patients for 3 years. Available from https://www.royalsurrey.nhs.uk/download.cfm?doc=docm93jijm4n1328.pdf&ver=4344. The 4 stages are clear fluids, all thin liquids, low fibre soft smooth diet, low fibre soft sloppy diet. Depending on the severity of symptoms and the risk of a blockage, patients are asked to follow a certain stage of the diet. They are advised to move up and down the stages as symptoms improve or get worse.
This feasibility study aims to investigate if the diet can be used and is effective in clinical practice. The objectives are to see if this diet is easy to follow, can reduce symptoms of bowel obstruction, can improve quality of life, and reduce admissions to hospital because of bowel blockages.
Patients at risk of bowel obstruction from colorectal or ovarian cancer are eligible to participate. They will remain in the study for a period of 4 weeks, during which time they will be asked to complete a diet diary and 3 questionnaires. The study will take place at St Luke’s Cancer Centre in Guildford and Frimley Park Hospital and is funded by the Charity GUTS Fighting Bowel Cancer.
REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/WM/0006
Date of REC Opinion
7 Feb 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion