What is a fecal transplant?
A fecal transplant from a healthy donor encourages the recipient’s body to
grow healthful bacteria, which can cure some infections and reduce the
severity of certain gut health problems.
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| Fecal transplant |
The gut is home to a delicate balance of millions of bacteria. When these
bacteria become unbalanced, a person can develop diarrhea and other intestinal
problems.
A doctor will carefully screen fecal transplant donors to ensure that their
gut and feces are healthy. They will test them for various diseases. Like,
hepatitis.
More than 1,700 years ago, Fecal transplants originated in ancient Chinese
medicine. In the past, this procedure involved drinking a liquid suspension of
another person’s feces. Today’s fecal transplants are sterile and safe. There
is a growing body of research to support their use.
Doctors may recommend fecal transplants to manage gastrointestinal conditions.
For instance problems with gut bacteria may cause or worsen inflammatory bowel
disease (IBD).
What to Expect from Fecal Transplantation
You will need to identify a potential donor prior to your fecal
transplantation.
Donors should not:
- Have had any antibiotic exposure in the past six months
- Be immunocompromised
- Have had any tattooing or body piercing in the past six months
- Have any history of drug use
- Have any history of high-risk sexual behavior
- Have any history of incarceration
- Have recently traveled to endemic areas
- Have any chronic GI disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease
The procedure of Fecal Transplantation </span >
Fecal transplantation is usually performed by colonoscopy and less commonly by
nasoduodenal tube. During a colonoscopy, the colonoscope is advanced through
the entire colon. As the colonoscope is withdrawn, the donor stool is
delivered through the colonoscope into your colon.
Before your procedure, you will need to follow specific preparation
instructions. Your doctor will discuss them with you in detail.
- You will need to stop any antibiotic therapy two days before the procedure.
- You will need to follow a liquid diet followed by an enema or laxative
preparation the night before your scheduled procedure. - Tell your doctors if you have any allergies.
- Your doctor will instruct you regarding any prescription medication you
take.
