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Transfer of stool from a healthy donor into the gastrointestinal tract
No Referral Required
Fecal Transplant for Recurrent C. Difficile
Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) involves taking stools from a healthy pre-screened donor and placed in the patient’s colon or small intestine to recolonize healthy bacteria into their gastrointestinal system. The fecal matter is mixed with saline or other solution and is typically placed via colonoscopy.
FMT is used to treat Clostridium difficile (C. diff) colitis, a bacterial infection of the colon. People who have had an alteration in gastrointestinal flora usually due to antibiotics or hospitalization are those at highest risk. C. diff affects a half million patients a year. C. diff can cause mild to severe symptoms, some of which can be life-threatening. Patients can experience chronic as well as severe diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, and weight loss. FMT has a 90% success rate.
What to Expect
Preparation for the Procedure
Dizziness and headache could be signs of low blood sugar. Drinking a regular carbonated beverage (not diet) or apple juice may alleviate these symptoms.
Wait 15-30 minutes before continuing prep then start back slowly. You may also take a Benadryl to help control the nausea.
Gatorade, which comes in many flavors, is an excellent choice as it contains electrolytes such as potassium. Avoid RED/BLUE liquids. We also recommend beef and chicken bouillon made from cubes (not broth). If you drink broth your procedure will be cancelled.
The color can persist in the colon and make an accurate diagnosis more difficult.
You can try sucking on hard candy (except red or blue), but no candy four hours prior to your procedure. You can rinse your mouth with water or a mouthwash. Do not eat or drink anything other than approved liquids while you are drinking the solution.
Yes, you must take the prep as directed by your doctor. Your colon is approximately 6 feet long. The entire colon must be emptied for your physician to see the colon clearly.
Yes, you may have solid stool higher in the colon that needs to be eliminated.
If your last bowel movements were clear enough that you were able to see the bottom of the toilet you should be fine. It is ok if you have some flecks of material. The yellow color is a result of the bile that normally colors the feces. This shouldn’t interfere with the examination.
To clean the area, avoid rubbing. Gently pat with a wet washcloth. Apply Vaseline, Preparation H, or Desitin liberally.
We strongly suggest you do not drink any alcoholic beverages prior to your procedure since they can cause dehydration and some wines may thin your blood.
Yes, but nothing with soft centers or red color. No candy or gum is allowed 4 hours prior to your procedure.
Yes, the procedure can still be performed. We ask that you use a tampon if possible (not absolutely necessary).
It depends on the preparation instructions you were given. Suprep is a prescription medication; Miralax does not require a prescription.
We have found that by splitting the prep, our patients have a better colonoscopy – a clearer colon results in an optimal examination so that the test does not have to be repeated due to an incomplete prep. If there is residual stool or murky liquid still in the colon, it will interfere with a thorough exam of the colon.
Day of Procedure
Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended. You can wear make up but we advise patients not to wear jewelry. If you wear contacts please bring your case and solution so that you can remove them prior to your procedure.
No, since sedatives are used, another driver is needed. This driver MUST stay during the procedure or the procedure will not be performed. This is for your personal safety. You may bring more than one person with you, but only one person can be with you in recovery due to space limitations.
Take a tap water enema until you run clear. If this does not work, call the office.
Medication for blood pressure, heart conditions, and seizure should be taken the morning of your exam regardless of the color. Light blue and light pink medications are also fine for you to take.
Yes, please.
Yes, you may wear your dentures to the Endoscopy suite. However, you may be asked to remove them prior to the procedure.
We ask patients to arrive early so that we can do a pre-procedure assessment and start the IV. Please call 864.232.7338 if you are running more than 15 minutes late, so that we can work together to adjust the schedule so that we can accommodate this delay.
After the Procedure
You may have residual anesthesia in your system, additional rest is recommended. This will improve over the next few hours.
To clean the area, avoid rubbing. Gently pat with a wet washcloth. Apply Vaseline, Preparation H, or Desitin liberally.
No, please take it easy the rest of the day. Due to the sedatives, you may not think clearly for several hours. DO NOT DRIVE. You can return to work the day after your procedure, unless your physician specifically tells you otherwise.
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