A pioneering clinical trial at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSussex) is investigating whether a specialised liquid nutrition programme could help patients with Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) recover better from surgery.
The OCEaN Study is exploring whether Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN), a liquid-based nutritional treatment, can improve outcomes for adults undergoing intestinal surgery.
Delivered in collaboration with the University of Birmingham, the study aims to determine whether EEN can reduce complications and support recovery when compared with a standard diet.
One patient who has experienced the benefits of innovative treatment approaches at UHSussex is 34-year-old John Gault from Newhaven, who has lived with Crohn’s disease since he was 11 years old.
Earlier this year, John underwent complex bowel surgery at the Royal Sussex County Hospital under the care of Consultant Colorectal Surgeon and OCEaN Principal Investigator Dr Alfredo Tonsi and Consultant Surgeon Dr Yegor Tryliskyy. The minimally invasive procedure removed diseased bowel, reconnected the intestine and enabled the reversal of a previous stoma.
Ahead of surgery, John followed an EEN programme similar to the nutritional approach now being evaluated through the OCEaN trial.
“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.”
UHSussex’s Dr Alfredo Tonsi 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 Yegor Tryliskyy, Consultant Surgeon in Benign Lower GI & IBD Surgery at University Hospitals Sussex 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 trial is being delivered by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, which also includes UHSussex’s Clinical Research Nurse, Laura Ortiz-Ruiz de Gordoa, and Highly Specialised Gastroenterology Dietitian and Associate Principle Investigator, Freya Perry.
Reflecting on his experience, John 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.”
As one of the leading research-active NHS trusts in the region, UHSussex is committed to ensuring that every patient has the opportunity to hear about and take part in research that may benefit them. From studies exploring new treatments and surgical approaches to innovations in nutrition and recovery, research is embedded within patient care across the Trust.
Professor Martin Llewelyn, Director of Research and Innovation at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation 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.”