What is Fecal Matter Transplant?
Fecal matter transplantation (also known as ‘stool transplant’ and ‘fecal microbiota therapy’), is an experimental procedure of inserting stool from a healthy donor into a recipient to restore the normal microbiome (microorganisms that live in our body) in a recipient’s large bowel.
Watch the 2-minute video below to learn from an expert about what FMT is:
What is the microbiome?
The microbiome is collection of organisms that live inside your gut and help drive certain physiological processes like digestion. They help control the immune process of the gut.
The microbiome produces vitamins, breaks down food to extract nutrients, maintains your immune system, and is your first-line defense against pathogens; everyone has a unique microbiome. The microbiome can be altered by disease or treatment such as with antibiotics.
Can FMT help manage Crohn's or colitis?
We already use fecal matter transplant to treat Clostridium difficile infections. In IBD, some studies have shown fecal matter transplant can induce remission, but overall the data on its use has been conflicting.
The procedure is beginning to show some promise in the treatment of ulcerative colitis in controlled clinical trials, funded by Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. Research is ongoing in this area. There are potential known and unknown risks associated with experimental treatment of this nature.
Resources
Video: Fecal Microbiota Transplant for IBD
Video: Gut-Brain Connection and Emerging Therapies for IBD: IMAGINE Network Studies