Using fecal microbiota transplantation to help patients with postoperative Crohn's disease

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Postoperative Crohn's Disease

NA · Tampere University Hospital · NCT04637438

This study is testing whether fecal microbiota transplantation can help people with Crohn's disease avoid complications after surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 120 Years
SexAll
SponsorTampere University Hospital (other)
Locations2 sites (Tampere and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04637438 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study investigates the potential benefits of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in preventing complications after surgery in patients with Crohn's disease. The study aims to assess the safety of FMT and explore its effects on gut microbiota changes related to disease progression post-operation. By analyzing microbiota, researchers hope to identify trends that could inform future larger randomized controlled trials. The study includes both FMT and placebo interventions to evaluate efficacy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with stricturing or fistulizing Crohn's disease requiring ileocecal or ileal resection.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have active infections, or are on antibiotics or probiotics at the time of the first colonoscopy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve recovery and reduce complications for patients undergoing surgery for Crohn's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While fecal microbiota transplantation has shown promise in other gastrointestinal conditions, this specific application in postoperative Crohn's disease is relatively novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Over 18 years
* Able to provide written consent
* Stricturing and/or fistulizing Crohn's disease needing ileocecal or ileal resection

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Active infection, abscess or fistula at the time of the first colonoscopy
* Life expectancy \<1 year
* Unable to provide written consent
* Use on antibiotics or probiotics at the time of first colonoscopy

Where this trial is running

Tampere and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Crohn Disease, Fecal Microbiota Transplantation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.