A small bowel obstruction is a blockage preventing food and fluid from passing through the small intestine. A small bowel obstruction often occurs from adhesions after surgery, but tumors, hernias or other strictures can also cause blockage. The risk for a post-operative SBO is a 15 to 42 percent chance. During a SBO, most patients are told not to eat. After a small bowel obstruction has started to resolve, a clear liquid diet is usually started and advanced as the patient tolerates to a low residue diet.
Rationale for Low Residue Diet
Generally, a low fiber diet is recommended while you continue to heal. A low fiber diet, also referred to as a low residue diet, lessens the irritation to your digestive tract, allowing it more time to heal. As this point you want your digestive tract to get used to the process of digesting food without overstimulating the peristalsis -- the contracting and relaxing of the intestinal muscles.
Foods Not Recommended
Whole grains, fruits and vegetables account for a lot of the fiber in our daily diets. Avoid breads, cereals and pastas made from whole grains or bran. Avoid raw vegetables as well as cooked greens. Avoid dried fruits, fruit pulp, fruit skins as well as fruits with seeds and most fresh fruits.
Avoid dried beans, crunchy nut butters and tough meats. Additionally highly seasoned or fried foods can cause irritation for some as well as coconut and nuts.
Also keep in mind your individual food intolerances and allergies; if you did not tolerate a food (i.e. dairy) prior to this, you won't handle it well after a SBO.
Recommended Foods
Choose cereals, breads, and pasta made of refined white flour products. Choose canned and cooked vegetables and choose vegetables without seeds and skins. A baked potato without the skin would be a good choice whereas something like zucchini which has both seeds and skin would not be a good option. Choose fruit juice without pulp and fruits that are cooked or canned. Fresh bananas and peeled apples are generally tolerated, but avoid other fresh fruits. Choose well cooked, tender meats as well as eggs and smooth nut butters. Additionally, milk -- including lactose-free, soy, rice or almond milk -- yogurt and mild cheese should be tolerated well. Be aware of your food intolerances and allergies when selecting foods.
Additional tips
A low fiber diet consists of about 10 g or less of fiber per day. A low fiber diet is not recommended for an extended amount of time as it can lead to constipation. Gradually add fiber back into your diet so your digestive tract can adjust.
References
- UpToDate: Small bowel obstruction: Causes and management
- American Dietetic Association Nutrition Care Manual: Low-Fiber Nutrition Therapy
- Sodexo Feed Your Body of Knowledge: Low Residue Diet
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