Sussex study examines whether liquid diet could improve recovery after Crohn’s surgery

A new clinical study in Sussex is investigating whether a specialised liquid nutrition programme could help people with Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel conditions recover more successfully from surgery.

The OCEaN Study, being carried out by University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust in collaboration with the University of Birmingham, is examining the effect of liquid-based nutritional treatment on adults undergoing intestinal surgery.

Researchers will compare the programme, known as Exclusive Enteral Nutrition, with a standard diet to establish whether it can reduce complications and support patients’ recovery.

One patient who has experienced a similar nutritional approach is 34-year-old John Gault, from Newhaven, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 11.

Earlier this year, John underwent complex bowel surgery at the Royal Sussex County Hospital under consultant surgeons Dr Alfredo Tonsi and Dr Yegor Tryliskyy.

The keyhole procedure involved removing diseased sections of bowel, reconnecting the intestine and reversing a previous stoma.

Before the operation, John followed a liquid nutrition programme similar to the approach now being assessed through the OCEaN Study.

“I can’t stop smiling since I’ve had surgery,” said John. “It’s been life changing and I feel like I’ve won the lottery. The symptoms that used to dominate so much of my life have reduced significantly and my health now feels much closer to how it was before I developed Crohn’s.”

Dr Tonsi, the study’s principal investigator and a consultant colorectal surgeon at University Hospitals Sussex, said the research could improve the way patients are prepared for surgery.

He said: “Through research studies such as the OCEaN trial we can move forward our understanding of how we can best prepare patients for surgery in order to support faster recovery. We are grateful to our patients who share their experiences with us, and to those who participate in research. This enables us to develop new and improved treatments, and dietic regimens, to improve long-term outcomes for IBD patients now, and in the future.”

Dr Tryliskyy, consultant surgeon in benign lower gastrointestinal and inflammatory bowel disease surgery, said patients could face both physical challenges and stigma because of their symptoms.

He said: “As clinicians we are acutely aware of the challenges that many of our IBD patients face and the stigma that they too often experience because of their symptoms. Openly addressing that is key to improving the physical and emotional wellbeing of people with IBD. In terms of treatments, at UHSussex, we are delighted to be able to offer access to cutting edge treatments that significantly contribute to improving their quality of life.”

The study is being delivered by a team of clinicians, including clinical research nurse Laura Ortiz-Ruiz de Gordoa and highly specialised gastroenterology dietitian and associate principal investigator Freya Perry.

John also praised the hospital staff who supported him throughout his treatment.

He said: “I’m especially grateful to Dr Yegor Tryliskyy, Ward Sister Jess Canning and Stoma Care Nurse Specialist Star Polling, who made my surgery possible, and who delivered such excellent care. What my experience shows is that there is hope for people living with Crohn’s. Research and treatments are developing all the time, and outcomes are improving for people in ways that help change lives.”

University Hospitals Sussex said research into new treatments, surgical techniques, nutrition and recovery had been integrated into patient care across the trust.

Professor Martin Llewelyn, director of research and innovation at the trust, said: “Research is fundamental to our vision of delivering excellent care everywhere. By embedding research into routine clinical practice, we can offer patients access to innovative treatments while continually improving the quality, safety and effectiveness of the care that we provide.

“John’s experience shows what is possible when research and clinical care come together. Through studies like OCEaN we are strengthening UHSussex’s position as a leading centre for research that delivers real benefits for patients across Sussex and beyond. Our ambition is for every patient to have the opportunity to take part in research, helping us shape the future of healthcare.”

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