[Patient perception and approval of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as an alternative treatment option for ulcerative colitis]. / Akzeptanz des fäkalen Mikrobiota-Transfers (Stuhltransplantation) als alternative Therapie bei Patienten mit Colitis ulcerosa.

INTRODUCTION: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) represents a treatment option for recurring Clostridium difficile-associated colitis. However, there is also evidence that FMT can be effective in treating ulcerative colitis. This study examined the approval and willingness of affected patients who underwent FMT. METHODS: A standardized questionnaire containing 27 polar and open questions was dispatched to a cohort of 262 patients suffering from UC. It included questions regarding the FMT process, donors, and possible concerns. Additionally, aspects of social background and disease activity were addressed. RESULTS: The response rate was 31.3 % (n = 82). Forty-eight (58.5 %) patients were already aware of FMT. Forty-six (56.1 %) were willing to undergo FMT if given a respective indication. The effectiveness of the procedure (40.2 %), followed by failure of all other therapies (17.1 %), formed the principal motivation. The transmission of possible infectious agents (26.8 %), and the potential contamination of the stool graft leading to a deterioration of clinical symptoms, raised the most concerns. (20.7 %).The preferred delivery system of FMT was capsules (67.1 %), followed by colonoscopic application (47.6 %). The patients were in favour of a donor proposed by the physician (52,4 %). Willingness to undergo FMT did not differ significantly between genders (56.4 % women vs. 57.1 % men). Smokers (88.9 %), patients who did not watch television at all (77.8 %) and those with private health insurance, showed an increased willingness to undergo FMT. CONCLUSION: For the majority of the UC patients surveyed, FMT represents a feasible treatment option. Approximately half of the respondents would consider FMT as an alternative treatment option, even inspite of a satisfactory disease response to current standard therapies. Unsurprisingly, there are concerns regarding the transmission of possible infectious agents and the hygienic implementation of FMT itself.