Fecal transplant turns out to be effective treatment for intestine disorders

Bengaluru: A 37-year-old man suffered from Ulcerative Colitis with symptoms of diarrhea mixed with blood for 12 years. The long-term condition resulted in inflammation and ulcers of the colon and rectum. But his problem came to an end when doctors decided to go for

stool

transplant to treat him. This may sound yucky, but you heard it right.

His brother came forward to help him. The donor-recipient duo underwent four cycles of Fetal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) recently at Aster CMI Hospital. The patient is doing well. The reason for the transplant lies in the fact that there are good bacterium and bad bacterium. In

fecal transplant

, the good bacteria from the donor is transplanted to the recipient. Result: the freshly introduced good bacterium in the intestine can modify the defence mechanism.

All that we do is to introduce good bacteria to set right the system, says Dr Naresh Bhat, chief of gastroenterology, Aster CMI hospital. Naresh conducted the same procedure on a 58-year-old woman suffering from uncontrolled diarrhea caused due to consumption of multiple courses of antibiotics for urinary infection.

“The woman came with a history of prolonged hospitalization in another hospital. She was diagnosed with Clostridium difficile, an infection associated diarrhoea. This condition arises due to the loss of ‘good’ bacteria from the intestine as a result of which a bacterium called Clostridium difficile colonizes the intestine causing ulcers and diarrhoea. FMT has emerged as the most efficient way of treating this disease. Her family member came forward to be the donor and she underwent 2 sessions of fecal transplant,” he added.

Fecal transplant is picking up in treating antibiotic diseases like diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease (inflammatory bowel disease) and liver disorder. Research is on to take it up for treating arthritis and obesity too.

A 36-year-old Ulcerative Colitis patient underwent the same procedure two months ago at BGS Gleneagles Global Hospitals. “When I explained this concept to the patient, the family agreed and we took it forward. It has shown good results. And it has no side effects,” said Dr Ravindra B S, chief of Medical Gastroenterology, BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital.

Dr Prasanna K S, senior consultant, medical gastroenterology, Apollo Hospitals, has lined up two patients for the procedure. One patient is yet to give consent. “A 23-year-old suffering from Crohn’s disease had to discontinue his engineering course due to the illness. FMT will help this patient. A 28-year-old software professional, suffering from Crohn’s disease, has also been advised to undergo the same,” said Dr Prasanna.

“In western countries, the same theory is used where doctors prescribe ‘poop pills’, a commercial product. That has not yet come to India. It is directly inserted in to intestine. The patient may vomit if it reaches directly to stomach,” said Bhat.

How is it done?

*This novel method is suggested as a treatment for those suffering from Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s disease.

*The patient is given counselling to overcome the stigma

*A related potential donor within the family is chosen.

*The donor undergoes a series of tests to make sure s/he is not suffering from typhoid, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, HIV and other infections.

*The healthy fresh stool from the potential donor is treated with saline water and diluted. It’s sprayed on the large intestine of the patient through colonoscopy

* At once, 100-150 ml of tested stool sample from a potential recipient is inserted from the donor. This is repeated in 3-4 cycles of the fecal transplant once a week to insert good bacteria.


Explore the yearly horoscope 2025 for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes, messages and quotes.