Tests a ketogenic diet before liver surgery in people with fatty liver
Compares a 4 week low-carbohydrate diet with standard diet advice before liver surgery.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Preoperative Ketogenic Diet for Reduction of Hepatic Steatosis
Key facts
- Where
- London, CanadaSee the site
Where in Canada
- London Health Sciences Centre/Western UniversityLondon, CanadaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Anton Skaro
- Trial code
- NCT05884723
- Record updated
- 19 May 2026
- Original description
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is becoming increasingly common in Canada and throughout the world. Fatty liver can increase the risks of perioperative complications for those who need liver surgery. A ketogenic diet is low in carbohydrates and can be very effective in reducing liver fat content. The purpose of this randomized control trial is to compare the effect of a short duration (4 week) preoperative ketogenic diet on operative and disease outcomes in patients undergoing liver surgery. One arm will be randomized to the ketogenic diet and the other will receive standard of care pre-operative dietary consultation.Read full original descriptionShow less
Implementation of a Preoperative Ketogenic Diet for Reduction of Hepatic Steatosis Prior to Hepatectomy: a Randomized Control Trial
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is becoming increasingly common in Canada and throughout the world. Fatty liver can increase the risks of perioperative complications for those who need liver surgery. A ketogenic diet is low in carbohydrates and can be very effective in reducing liver fat content. The purpose of this randomized control trial is to compare the effect of a short duration (4 week) preoperative ketogenic diet on operative and disease outcomes in patients undergoing liver surgery. One arm will be randomized to the ketogenic diet and the other will receive standard of care pre-operative dietary consultation.
Inclusion: Patients 18 years of age or older undergoing any type of liver resection (e.g. wedge, formal hepatectomy), either open or laparoscopic, for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM); Patients with evidence of hepatic steatosis on pre-operative imaging (CT or MR) or biopsy; Ability to use an app based nutritional program to track macronutrient uptake throughout the dietary intervention.
Exclusion: Patients undergoing liver resection for any other indication; Patients with a known bleeding disorder; Patients on sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors (these are contraindicated with a ketogenic diet); Patients without evidence of hepatic steatosis; Patients with evidence of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis on preoperative bloodwork or imaging; Patients with alcohol-related hepatic steatosis.