Authors

  1. Connick, Karen BS, RN, CGRN

Article Content

Recently we have had several patients requiring fecal bacteriotherapy for recurring Clostridium difficile enterocolitis. This was a new and unusual request for our department. Information regarding the efficacy, protocol, and methodology was needed. We have since been a resource to the community for another patient. Fecal bacteriotherapy uses the normal human flora as a probiotic therapy. This type of bacteriotherapy has a long history in animal health and has been used sporadically in humans to fight chronic infections of the bowel, particularly C. difficile; however, its use has been documented in other gastrointestinal (GI) diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and chronic constipation. Fecal bacteriotherapy has been used via enema and colonoscopy administration. This presentation will cover the process we followed, a synopsis of the current literature, and step-by-step instructions in the preparation and administration of the fecal suspension. Also to be discussed are specifics regarding donor screening, outcome measures, use of concurrent medications, and adverse effects. Basic information on C. difficile and it's usual course and treatment will also be addressed.

 

Section Description

We are pleased to present the abstracts from sgna's 36th annual course, SGNA: your gateway to opportunity. The diversity of these topics certainly reflects the richness and breadth of our specialty. in keeping with the tradition of the annual course, we hope the following abstracts will encourage discussions for improving nursing practice and patient care outcomes.