A fecal transplant is also called fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). It is a procedure to restore healthy bacteria in the large intestine (colon). Healthy bacteria from a donor's stool are prepared in a solution and then put into your colon.
Why is it done?
A fecal transplant is usually done to treat a severe or recurring infection caused by Clostridioides difficile bacteria (also called C. diff). This procedure restores the balance of good and bad bacteria in your colon.
The colon normally contains a mix of bacteria. Some of the mix is good bacteria that keep the colon healthy. They don't cause disease. But when you take an antibiotic to kill bad bacteria, the medicine may also kill the good bacteria. Without the good bacteria, bad bacteria like C. diff can cause a serious infection. C. diff can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, and belly cramps.
How is it done?
First, stool from a healthy donor will be saved and then prepared in a solution for the transplant.
Before the transplant, your doctor may ask you to do some things to prepare. You may need to go on a liquid diet. You may be asked to stop taking certain medicines. Your doctor may also have you take a laxative or other medicine to empty your colon.
There are several ways to get the healthy balance of bacteria that are in the prepared solution into the colon. The most common is with a colonoscopy. It may also be done by taking capsules, by having an enema, or by getting it through a nasal tube. Sometimes more than one method is used depending on your health condition.
If you are not taking capsules, the transplant is done in a doctor's office, a clinic, or a hospital. You may get medicine to help you relax.
In a colonoscopy, the doctor moves a thin, lighted tube through the colon. As the tube is removed, the prepared solution is put in the colon.
If the solution is put in the colon with an enema, you will continue lying down for several minutes after the procedure.
If the solution is passed through a nasal tube, the solution will pass directly into the stomach. Then it will go through the intestines to the colon.
If you are taking capsules, you will take them at home over a period of a few days. Follow your doctor's instructions on when and how to take them.
After the transplant, you may have some discomfort. This includes belly cramps or bloating. These symptoms should go away on their own. Let your doctor know if they last or get worse.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.
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