Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2025
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation via Colonoscopy for Recurrent C. difficile Infection
Published on: December 8, 2014
Procedures in Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Systematic Review and
Tânia Rodrigues1, Sofia Rodrigues Fialho1, João Ricardo Araújo1,2
1NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
Background:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disease with no effective treatment. Altered microbiota composition seems implicated in disease etiology and therefore fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a possible treatment therapy. To clarify the clinical parameters impacting FMT efficacy, we conducted a systematic review with subgroup analysis.
Methods:
A literature search was performed identifying randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing FMT with placebo in IBS adult patients (8-week follow-up) with a reported improvement in global IBS symptoms.
Results:
Seven RCTs (489 participants) met the eligibility requirements. Although FMT seems not to be effective in global improvement of IBS symptoms, subgroup analysis shows that FMT through gastroscopy or nasojejunal tube are effective IBS treatments (RR 3.03; 95% CI 1.94-4.73; I2 = 10%, p < 0.00001). When considering non-oral ingestion routes, IBS patients with constipation symptoms are more likely to benefit from FMT administration (p = 0.003 for the difference between IBS subtypes regarding constipation). Fresh fecal transplant and bowel preparation seem also to have impact on FMT efficacy (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, respectively).
Conclusion:
Our meta-analysis revealed a set of critical steps that could affect the efficacy of FMT as clinical procedure to treat IBS, nevertheless more RCTs are needed.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management