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Updated: Feb 22, 2026
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
Process and Outcome of Fecal Microbiota Transplants in Patients With Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection: A
Janice Walton1, Denise Burns, Kay E Gaehle
1Janice Walton, BSN, RN, CGRN, is Staff Nurse, Endoscopy Lab, Memorial Hospital, Belleville, Illinois. Denise Burns, BSN, RN, CGRN, is Staff Nurse, Endoscopy Lab, Memorial Hospital, 4500 Memorial Drive, Belleville, Illinois. Kay E. Gaehle, PhD, RN, is Research Consultant, Memorial Hospital, and Associate Professor of Nursing at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Belleville, Illinois.
Abstract:
The incidence of Clostridium difficile infection is on the rise worldwide, causing high mortality rates and costing patients, hospitals, and insurance companies millions of dollars annually. Fecal microbiota transplants successfully treat recurrent C. difficile infections unresponsive to standard pharmacologic treatment such as flagyl, vancomycin, or rifaximin. Evidence in the literature provided the foundation for the development and refinement of this fecal microbiota transplant protocol. During the initial phase of the project, the protocol included patient selection criteria, donor screening/selection, infection control, fecal processing and delivery, and patient pre and postprocedure education. This article highlights the second phase of prospective testing of a nurse-driven protocol to implement fecal microbiota transplantation in patients with recurrent C. difficile infection. All stages of the protocol are explained as well as rationale for component parts to achieve successful patient outcomes when the protocol is carefully followed.
