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CC BY 4.0 · Journal of Coloproctology 2025; 45(01): s00451804912
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1804912
Original Article

Exploring the Connection: How Does Fluid Restrictive Intermittent Fasting Affect Benign Anorectal Diseases?

İlyas Kudaş 
1   Department of General Surgery, University of Health Sciences, Cam Sakura Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
,
Fatih Başak 
2   Department of General Surgery, University of Health Sciences, Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
,
Hüsna Tosun 
2   Department of General Surgery, University of Health Sciences, Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
,
Yahya Kemal Çalışkan 
3   Department of General Surgery, University of Health Sciences, Kanuni Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
,
Fethi Sada Zekey 
4   Department of Family Medicine, Yozgat Bozok University, Yozgat, Turkey
,
Aylin Acar 
2   Department of General Surgery, University of Health Sciences, Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
,
Tolga Canbak 
2   Department of General Surgery, University of Health Sciences, Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
› Author Affiliations Funding The author(s) received no financial support for the research.
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Abstract

Introduction Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained popularity in recent years as a potential tool for promoting health and reducing disease risk. However, little research has been done on the impact of fluid restrictive IF on benign anorectal diseases. In this study, we aim to explore the effects of long periods of IF on conditions such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures, focusing on the potential role of other influencing factors.

Materials and Methods This study utilized a cohort design to examine the changes in admissions for hemorrhoidal disease and anal fissure during Ramadan, a period of intermittent fasting with fluid restriction, compared to the remainder of the year. Patients admitted with these conditions between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019, were divided into two groups: the Ramadan group and the control (non-Ramadan) group. The primary endpoint of the study was to determine any significant differences in admissions between the two groups.

Results The results showed that a total of 49,046 patients (0.68% of all admissions) were admitted with hemorrhoidal disease, and 33,480 patients (0.45%) with fissures were reviewed. Admissions for hemorrhoidal disease were significantly higher in the Ramadan group at 0.9%, compared to the control group (non-Ramadan) at 0.7% (p < 0.001). However, no increase was observed in the admittance rate for fissures between the two groups.

Conclusion This study explores the potential connection between fluid restrictive IF and anorectal disease incidence, shedding light on this under-researched area. Findings suggest that extended periods of IF may increase the risk of hemorrhoidal disease, highlighting the need for clinicians and individuals adopting such regimes to consider related risk factors.

Keywords

fasting - hemorrhoids - anal fissure - intermittent fasting

Authors' Contribution

İlyas Kudaş, Fatih Başak, Hüsna Tosun, and Yahya Kemal Calışkan designed the study and collected data. İlyas Kudaş, Fatih Başak, Hüsna Tosun, Yahya Kemal Calışkan, Fethi Sada Zekey, Aylin Acar, and Tolga Canbak contributed to the clinical care of the patients, data collection, drafting and revising of the manuscript, and approval of the final version of the article.


Data Availability Statement

The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to ethical restrictions.


Ethical Considerations

This retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of the University of Health Sciences, Istanbul Umraniye Training and Research Hospital (Approval Date: 2024, Decision No: 425/443). It was conducted by the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and its subsequent amendments or comparable ethical standards. The authors confirm that all data were collected anonymously.


Patient Declaration of Consent Statement:

This study does not contain identifying information on the patients. Written informed consent was not obtained from patients due to the retrospective design of the study.




Publication History

Received: 27 June 2024

Accepted: 05 February 2025

Article published online:
06 March 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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Bibliographical Record
İlyas Kudaş, Fatih Başak, Hüsna Tosun, Yahya Kemal Çalışkan, Fethi Sada Zekey, Aylin Acar, Tolga Canbak. Exploring the Connection: How Does Fluid Restrictive Intermittent Fasting Affect Benign Anorectal Diseases?. Journal of Coloproctology 2025; 45: s00451804912.
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1804912
 

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