Although it may seem surprising, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is proving to be highly effective. It is an innovative medical technique that is transforming the treatment of various intestinal diseases. Thus, this procedure involves the transfer of fecal microbiota from a healthy person to the intestinal tract of a patient with health problems, with the aim of restoring the microbial balance and improving their well-being.
The intestinal microbiota, also known as the fecal microbiota, is a complex community of microorganisms that includes bacteria, viruses and fungi. These microorganisms play crucial roles in digestion, vitamin synthesis, immune system regulation and protection against infections. However, factors such as the use of antibiotics, inadequate diets, alcohol consumption and stress can alter this balance, which can trigger various diseases such as diarrhea, intestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel conditions.
What does it consist of?
This procedure involves transferring intestinal microbiota from a healthy person to the tract of a patient with health problems.
According to data from the Hospital Clínic Barcelona, fecal microbiota transplantation has success rates ranging from 80% to 90% in a single intervention, and with an increase in effectiveness with repeated procedures. Currently, there are more than 200 clinical trials worldwide investigating the use of FMT in a variety of pathologies, including inflammatory bowel diseases, urinary tract infections, decolonization of multi-resistant bacteria, metabolic diseases such as diabetes and the obesityas well as neurological diseases and behavioral disorders.
To perform a fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), a stool sample from a healthy donor is needed. The donation process begins with rigorous screening, including completing medical forms and undergoing blood and stool tests to ensure the safety of the recipient. Eligible donors can provide samples for two months and repeat the process as many times as they wish, always on a voluntary basis.
Effectiveness
More than 200 clinical trials are investigating this transplant for a wide variety of pathologies, including diabetes, obesity and behavioral disorders.
TMF administration is primarily performed by a colonoscopy. The microbiota sample is then deposited in the patient’s colon. Oral capsules are also being developed which, although they require the ingestion of several pills, offer a less invasive option. Patient preparation varies depending on the method: a standard approach for colonoscopy and no prior preparation for oral capsules.
After transplantation, care depends on the method used. Patients must follow specific instructions in cases of colonoscopies, while capsules do not require additional care. In both cases, it is advisable to avoid the use of antimicrobial drugs so as not to interfere with the new microbiota. FMT is generally safe, with minor and temporary side effects, which usually disappear within a few days. In the long term, no significant health problems have been identified. Fecal microbiota donation is crucial not only to help patients with serious intestinal infections and diseases, but also to advance medical research.
Safety
The technique is generally safe, with minor and temporary side effects, which usually disappear within a few days.
Promoting donation and demystifying the process is essential to ensure a constant and safe supply of fecal microbiota, allowing more patients to benefit from this transformative treatment. Hospital Clínic Barcelona is at the forefront of this technique, as it has a Microbiota Bank where stool donations are processed and FMT treatments are prepared. A multidisciplinary team evaluates each case to determine the suitability of the treatment and the best route of administration.
Patients must sign an informed consent form before receiving treatment and are closely monitored after the procedure. Fecal microbiota transplantation represents a silent revolution in medicine. With new discoveries, this treatment could become a fundamental pillar for treating various pathologies. The key now lies in promoting stool donation and demystifying this process, highlighting its importance and transformative potential.
Source: www.lavanguardia.com
