Impact of Dietary Fiber Supplementation on Colonic Mucosal Microbiome

This clinical trial tests whether daily fiber supplementation will change the mucosal microbiome of the colon. The microbiome are microorganisms that live in the human gut. They serve a vital role in maintaining health. Certain microbial strains are associated with the growth of colon polyps, which eventually could go on to form colon cancer. Giving dietary fiber supplements may help prevent precancerous polyps from ever developing.

Inclusion Criteria:Age >= 18 yearsAbility to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent documentPatients who present with a chief complaint of a benign anorectal pathology including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and anal fistulas without underlying conditions such as cancer or Crohn's diseasePatients who had a colonoscopy within the past 2 yearsExclusion Criteria:Patients with an active malignancy, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and immunosuppressed patients.Patients with hereditary colon cancer syndrome including Lynch syndrome or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)Patients with a prior history of total or partial colon resection.Colorectal pathology such as polyps or cancer