Fecal microbiota transplantation: A 'How-To' guide for nurses

Fecal microbiota transplantation is emerging as one of the most exciting treatments of this century. Rarely has one treatment provided the opportunity to treat a myriad of diseases, not only within the gastrointestinal tract but also in extra-intestinal organs; such is the power of the gastrointestinal microbiota to modulate the immune system and eradicate infections, even where antibiotics have previously failed. The demand for this therapy, both among patients and physicians, is increasing, and a search of the literature reveals numerous reviews, case reports and discussion on the topic. However, to date, much of the literature addresses the procedure from a physician's point of view, and can therefore be lacking in practical detail. As nurses are often the 'unsung heroes' of the procedure, it is timely to address the subject from a nursing perspective.