What foods are good to eat before rectal cancer surgery?

Generally, suitable foods to eat before rectal cancer surgery include millet porridge, steamed egg custard, boiled soft carrots, steamed fish, tofu, and similar items. These foods provide essential nutrition while minimizing intestinal burden, helping ensure a smooth surgical procedure. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Millet Porridge

Millet porridge has a soft, mushy texture that is easily digested and absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, leaving minimal food residue in the intestines. The carbohydrates it contains can quickly replenish energy, preventing preoperative physical deterioration due to insufficient energy. Moreover, it is mild and non-irritating to the intestinal mucosa, making it ideal for consumption during the preoperative bowel preparation phase.

2. Steamed Egg Custard

Steamed egg custard is made from eggs and rich in high-quality protein. Protein is an essential nutrient for tissue repair and strengthening physical stamina, helping maintain bodily functions before surgery. With its tender and smooth texture, it is easy to digest and does not increase the digestive burden on the intestines. It also helps build up nutritional reserves needed for postoperative recovery.

3. Boiled Soft Carrots

Carrots are rich in dietary fiber and vitamins, but they should be cooked until very soft. When well-cooked, the dietary fiber becomes easier to digest, promoting intestinal motility while avoiding irritation from hard foods. The vitamins help meet the body's nutritional needs and support normal metabolism, and when softened by cooking, they do not form indigestible residues in the gut.

4. Steamed Fish

Choose delicate-fleshed fish such as sea bass or cod for steaming. These fish are rich in high-quality protein and low in fat. Steaming preserves nutrients to the greatest extent possible, resulting in tender, soft meat that is easily absorbed. This provides the body with necessary protein to enhance strength, without increasing digestive strain due to excessive fat, making it suitable for preoperative consumption.

5. Tofu

Tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein, with a soft and tender texture that is easy to digest. It supplies essential amino acids, helping maintain muscle mass and overall bodily function. It contains no coarse fiber, so it leaves minimal residue in the intestines, meeting the dietary requirements of bowel cleansing and reduced intestinal load before surgery.

Dietary intake before surgery must be strictly managed. Typically, patients should transition from regular soft foods to a liquid diet 1–2 days before surgery. Solid foods should be stopped 8 hours before surgery, and all fluids should be withheld 4 hours prior. Food should be chewed slowly and thoroughly, and overeating should be avoided. If discomfort such as bloating or abdominal pain occurs after eating, medical staff should be informed promptly to adjust the dietary plan.