Published online Nov 6, 2017. doi: 10.4292/wjgpt.v8.i4.208
Peer-review started: June 21, 2017
First decision: July 26, 2017
Revised: July 26, 2017
Accepted: September 5, 2017
Article in press: September 6, 2017
Published online: November 6, 2017
Processing time: 135 Days and 11 Hours
Halkjær et al searched systematically nine articles including 48 patients, and concluded that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can be an ideal treatment option for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) subjects. Regardless of the few successes in current traditional therapies (change in diet, herbal medicine and antibiotics) in IBS, a sharp increase in interests in the FMT option has been reported in the current century. However, there is a long list of unclear issues concerning the application of FMT for the treatment of IBS. Route of delivery and optimum dosage are the major concerns to consider before using in clinical practice.
Core tip: Apart from the interesting report by Halkjær et al, there is a long list of tasks concerning the application of fecal microbiota transplantation for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Route of delivery and optimum dosage are the major concerns to consider before using in clinical practice.