FAQ for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation

The number of transplantations and intervals vary depending on the consultation results and the policy of the medical institution.

A personalized schedule will be provided after your consultation.

The physician will determine the feasibility of combining treatments after checking your current regimen (medications, supplements, etc.).

Please provide these details during your consultation.

The number of patients and statistical information vary depending on the clinical status of the medical institution.

The latest information can be found on the official website (case data, research information, and columns on the intestinal environment).

The perception of results and progress varies from person to person.

Since the intestinal microbiota is also affected by lifestyle habits, continuous follow-up and monitoring are recommended.

Costs vary depending on the number of sessions, test items, and the policy of the medical institution.

Details will be provided on an individual basis by the medical institution.

We also outline the cost components on the “Costs for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation” page of our website.

At present, FMT in Japan is a private-pay treatment and is not covered by public health insurance.

Yes, it is.

At Affiliated medical institutions, you can book a “Consultation only” or “Advice only” session.

For those living overseas, please contact us via the inquiry form on our website.

Yes, Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is a medical procedure performed in an outpatient setting.

The specific flow and required time vary by medical institution.

It is possible, but multiple visits for the initial consultation, tests, and transplantation may be necessary.

The possibility of rescheduling depends on the medical institution.

The risk is not zero.

Temporary changes in physical condition, such as Bloating or changes in defecation patterns, may occur.

If you notice any abnormalities, please consult your medical institution immediately.

The period from the initial consultation booking to the first transplantation varies depending on the test requirements, donor stool preparation, and the availability of the medical institution.

Typically, it may take about 2 to 4 weeks.

For international patients, preparation and logistics after confirming the pre-transplantation support fee payment require more time. Therefore, please expect an average of about 6 months, and at least around 4 months, until the first transplantation.

To proceed with the transplantation, the following steps are required after the initial consultation:

• Confirmation of eligibility by a physician
• Signing of multiple explanation and consent forms, such as the “Consent for Treatment” and “Important Matter Explanation Document”
• Payment of the pre-transplantation support fee

Finalizing the first transplantation date
Specific details will be provided individually by the medical institution after the consultation.

Patients may undergo stool, blood, and urine tests.

The purpose is to evaluate the state of the intestinal microbiota and its relationship with overall health.

Separately, donor stool undergoes rigorous testing, including infectious disease screening.

▶ About safety management of the donor bank: 

https://fmt-japan.org/en/technical-features/japanbiome

After you submit your stool sample,

The results are usually explained during a consultation approximately 1 to 2 weeks later.

Yes. The results will be explained by the attending physician.

If you wish to have a copy of the results, please request it from the medical institution during your consultation.

Pain perception varies among individuals.

If you have concerns, we recommend discussing them with your physician in advance during the consultation.

The time required varies depending on the method and preparation, but it typically takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes, including the consultation, preparation, and explanation.

Please follow the guidance from the medical institution regarding the schedule and the flow of the day.

Transplantation may be possible during menstruation, but the decision depends on your physical condition and the specific condition being treated.

If you have concerns, please consult with your physician in advance and reschedule if necessary.

The necessity and timing of re-testing depend on your symptoms and progress.

An Intestinal Flora Balance Test may be conducted after about 1 to 2 months as a guide, subject to the attending physician’s judgment.

The duration of changes in the intestinal environment varies by individual.

Furthermore, because the intestinal environment is influenced by daily habits such as diet, sleep, and stress management, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential.

Follow-up tests every few months may be recommended to monitor progress.

The physician will evaluate the need for additional transplantations based on changes in symptoms and test results.

Even if you request additional sessions, clinical standards for intervals and frequency apply. Please always consult with your medical institution rather than making a self-judgment.

Temporary fluctuations in physical condition may occur after transplantation.

This is sometimes referred to as “rebound” and can occur as the intestinal environment adjusts.

If symptoms persist or if you have any concerns, please consult your medical institution.

The donor bank “Japanbiome®” is operated by The Association for Clinical Research of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Japan.

Japanbiome® is a domestic private donor bank that supplies donor stool for Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT).

Registered donors must meet strict screening criteria, including blood tests, stool tests, and lifestyle interviews.

Furthermore, the bank works in cooperation with medical institutions to select the most suitable donor according to the patient’s condition.

Details here:

https://fmt-japan.org/en/technical-features/japanbiome

A bacterial solution is a liquid in which donor stool is suspended in a specialized solvent.

In Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT), this bacterial solution is administered according to the protocol explained by the medical institution.

In NanoGAS®-FMT, NanoGAS® water is used as the solvent.

NanoGAS® water is water in which nano-sized bubbles (nanobubbles) are uniformly dispersed. It is used as the solvent for the bacterial solution in NanoGAS®-FMT.

Adverse Events refer to any unfavorable health problems that occur after a treatment.

“Side effects” are those where a causal relationship with the treatment is confirmed, while “Adverse Events” are recorded broadly regardless of whether a causal relationship is established.

For NanoGAS®-FMT, the medical institution and the donor bank collaborate closely to monitor and manage Adverse Events.