Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT)

Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is used to treat refractory Clostridium difficile infection (or C. diff). FMT has been used in the United States since the 1950’s for this purpose. Based on this data, the procedure is highly effective with an estimated cure rate of 90 percent.

The stool for FMT is obtained from a carefully screened donor. The stool is then typically transplanted to the patient by colonoscopy. The transplanted stool repopulates the colon with good bacteria and this eliminates the C. diff infection.

The only FDA approved indication for FMT is a C. diff infection that has not responded to multiple antibiotic treatments. For patients with this problem, FMT is an excellent option. The following is the step-wise process for fecal transplant:

1. The patient must identify a donor. This can be anyone that is healthy.
2. The donor must undergo screening to make sure that they do not have any chronic intestinal infections.
3. Once the screening tests are negative, the procedure can be scheduled.
4. The patient must undergo a bowel prep to completely cleanse the colon.
5. On the morning of the procedure the patient and donor arrive at the endoscopy unit. The donor has a bowel movement and the stool is processed.
6. The patient undergoes a colonoscopy and the stool is transplanted into the colon.