What is the evidence for dietary modification in the management and prevention of malignant bowel obstruction? A scoping review.

PURPOSE

Dietary modification is one tool in the multidisciplinary and multi-faceted management of malignant bowel obstruction (MBO). However, the evidence for this has not been systematically explored and no guidelines currently exist. The purpose of this review was to identify the type and breadth of published evidence available to support the use of dietary modification in MBO, and to identify key characteristics of dietary interventions and outcome measures used in evaluating these interventions.

METHODS

Systematic searches of three databases were conducted, last in September 2024. Title and abstract screening and full-text review were conducted before data were extracted using a data extraction tool.

RESULTS

Only seven records met the criteria for inclusion. Quality of interventions was low, with four abstracts, one retrospective review and two feasibility studies identified. Most interventions focused on gynaecological cancers, where MBO is most prevalent. Key characteristics of dietary modification included a low-fibre diet and modification of the texture of the diet. These approaches were often used in conjunction and in a stepwise manner (progressing from liquid to soft to low-fibre diet). All records reported benefit of dietary modification, but with limited justification. The number, type and quality of records retrieved might reflect that this is a novel area of research, with local practice and clinical experience being published as abstracts. We found no methodologically robust, large-scale interventions.

CONCLUSION

This review demonstrates a lack of evidence to support the use of dietary modification in MBO. High-quality studies assessing the efficacy and impact of dietary modification are needed to support the advice commonly being provided in clinical settings. However, this research is ethically and logistically challenging to conduct. Nutritional management guidelines based on expert consensus might be a useful resource for clinicians managing MBO given the lack of research evidence currently available to inform practice.