Does Distal Enteral Feeding of Fibre Positively Affect the Microflora in the Distal Limb of Loop Ileostomy Patients?
Following surgical removal of diseased bowel, patients often require a temporary redirection of bowel contents to a stoma, to allow healing prior to re-joining of the remaining bowel at a later date. Some patients may experience complications, either during or after reversal surgery, and this may be due to changes in the 'friendly' bacteria that live in our bowels. Previous research shows that the distal section of bowel that is non-functioning undergoes tissue-wasting and the 'friendly' bacteria that help our digestion die. Data shows that patients that have a reduction in their microflora are more likely to experience side effects. This study investigates a method of replenishing the microflora prior to surgery.
• Any individual that has been identified for distal (stoma) feeding that is able to understand verbal and written English to provide informed consent.
• Participants must be undergoing ileostomy or colostomy reversal surgery.