Fecal transplant (also called bacteriotherapy) is a safe, effective treatment for C. difficile colitis, an infection that causes fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramping. C. difficile infections can be very serious, and when they recur, fecal transplant can be a good option for many patients.
How does a fecal transplant “work” to fight disease?
Normally, your colon contains millions of “good” bacteria that help fight off infections. But sometimes, these colonies of bacteria can become depleted or weak, leaving your colon exposed to infections by “bad” pathogens like C. difficile. The most common cause of C. difficile infection is antibiotic therapy that’s prescribed for other infections. While antibiotics can be very effective in killing off bad pathogens that cause infections, they can also inadvertently destroy good bacteria, including those found in the colon. Once your colon’s natural defenses are weakened, it’s much easier for C. difficile bacteria to grow and thrive.
Fecal transplant takes a stool sample from a healthy donor, processes it, and then transplants it into the infected colon, helping to reestablish robust colonies of “good” bacteria so your body can fight off the infection naturally.
What happens during a fecal transplant procedure?
Fecal transplants use a stool sample from a qualified, healthy donor. The sample is strained and then mixed with an inert solution to make it easier for the “good” bacteria to reach the target area. The prepared sample is placed inside your colon during a colonoscopy, a simple outpatient procedure that uses a special flexible scope to access your colon. The colonoscopy is performed under sedation so you can rest comfortably throughout your treatment.
Find out more.
Digestive Healthcare of Georgia is one of the first providers of fecal transplant procedures in the Atlanta area, relying on state-of-the-art techniques for optimal outcomes. If you’ve been diagnosed with C. difficile colitis or if you’d like to learn more about the fecal transplant process, call the office nearest you or use our online form to request an appointment today.
