Summary 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.
© 2014 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.