Overview
Faecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) is a therapeutic procedure that involves transferring faecal matter from a healthy, screened donor into the gastrointestinal tract of a recipient. The goal is to correct gut dysbiosis by restoring a healthy and diverse microbiome. This advanced therapy is increasingly recognised for treating conditions linked to disruptions in gut flora.
Clinical Presentations
Referral may be considered for patients with:
- Recurrent C. difficile infection not responding to standard antibiotics
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Ulcerative Colitis (UC) or Crohn’s Disease (CD)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with persistent symptoms
- Other emerging indications such as Parkinson’s disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or cognitive/mental health disorders (investigational)
How to Refer
Submit a standard gastroenterology referral, noting “FMT assessment”, and include:
- Patient history, including prior infections and treatments
- Relevant investigations (blood tests, stool tests, imaging, previous endoscopy if applicable)
- Current medications and immune status
Referral can be sent via Medical Objects or directly to admin@mygutcare.com.au.
Prerequisites
- Assessment of infection status via blood and stool tests
- Endoscopic evaluation (colonoscopy) as required
- Review of medications and immune status
- Ensure patient suitability for FMT under specialist guidance
How We Care for Your Patients
- Comprehensive assessment by a gastroenterologist
- Use of donor stool sourced from regulated stool banks following strict national and international guidelines
- Preparation and administration of FMT under controlled laboratory and clinical conditions
- Follow-up to monitor treatment response and address any side effects
Safety Profile:
- FMT is generally safe under medical supervision
- Common mild side effects: bloating, cramping, abdominal discomfort, transient changes in bowel habits
- Serious adverse events are rare (<1%), primarily related to infectious transmission if donor screening is inadequate
- Not suitable for severely immunocompromised patients, pregnant/breastfeeding individuals, or those with certain chronic conditions
Patient Resources
- Gastroscopy – Gastroscopy – My Gut Care
- Colonoscopy – Colonoscopy – My Gut Care
References
- Borody TJ, Paramsothy S, Agrawal G. Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2013;15(8):337.
- Choi HH, Cho YS. Clin Endosc. 2016;49(3):257–65.
- Gulati M, Singh SK, et al. Pharmacol Res. 2020;159:104954.
- Ramai D, Zakhia K, et al. Dig Dis Sci. 2021;66(2):369–80.
- Cammarota G, Ianiro G, et al. Gut. 2017;66(4):569–80. 6–25.