Diverticular Disease
Outpouchings of the intestinal wall (diverticula) that can become inflamed and cause serious complications. FMT is being studied as a way to prevent diverticulitis recurrence.
What is diverticular disease?
Diverticula are small outpouchings of the colon wall. They can be asymptomatic or lead to inflammation and complications.
Forms of the disease
- Diverticulosis
Presence of diverticula without inflammation. Often asymptomatic.
- Diverticulitis
Inflammation of one or more diverticula. Requires treatment.
- Complicated diverticulitis
Abscess, perforation, bleeding, fistulas. May require surgery.
Symptoms
- Pain in the lower left abdomen
- Bloating and discomfort
- Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
- In diverticulitis: fever, nausea
- Occasionally blood in stool
Causes and risk factors
- Age over 50 (primary factor)
- Low-fiber diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Changes in the gut microbiome
Standard treatment
High-fiber diet, antibiotics during flares, sometimes surgery for complications.
In 20–35% of patients, diverticulitis recurs after the first episode. Repeated episodes increase the risk of complications.
The role of the microbiome and FMT
Research shows a link between dysbiosis and diverticulitis. FMT may help prevent recurrent inflammation.
Dysbiosis
Disrupted microbiota balance
Inflammation
Bacteria penetrate diverticula
FMT after treatment
Restoration of healthy flora
Prevention
Reduced risk of recurrence
Mechanism of action
Healthy microbiota reduces inflammation in the intestinal wall, strengthens the protective barrier, competes with pathogens, and modulates the local immune response.
Potential benefits
- Reduced risk of diverticulitis recurrence
- Relief of chronic symptoms
- Recovery after antibiotic therapy
- Potential to avoid surgery
Current state of research
FMT for diverticular disease is a promising field with early but encouraging results.
↓50%
Potential reduction in recurrence (based on pilot studies)
3+
Pilot studies
100+
Patients in studies
↑
Growing researcher interest
Research directions
- Recurrence prevention: FMT after a diverticulitis episode to prevent further flares
- Post-antibiotic recovery: Rapid microbiome restoration after a course of treatment
- Important: Specific Han's United data on diverticular disease is not yet available. Research is ongoing as part of the broader GI disease program. FMT is used as an adjunct to standard therapy
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Patient story
Experience with FMT after recurrent diverticulitis
"Over three years, I had four episodes of diverticulitis. Each time meant antibiotics, pain, and fear of complications. My doctor suggested trying FMT as an adjunct to standard treatment after another course. It has been a year and a half — my bowels are working much better, and flares have become significantly less frequent."
Sun C.
61 years old, Beijing
* Name changed. Results are individual and may vary.
Related conditions
FMT is also being studied for other GI conditions
Ulcerative Colitis
510 Han's United patients, 64.3% improvement at 3 months. Active clinical trials.
Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease. Part of the IBD cohort (510 Han's United patients).
IBS
1,940 Han's United patients, 70.6% improvement at 3 months.
Functional GI
8,258 constipation patients — 70.3% improvement. Largest group in the Han's United cohort.
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Discuss your treatment options
If diverticulitis keeps recurring, schedule a consultation. A doctor will assess whether FMT could help prevent further flares.
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China, Jiangxi Province, Shangrao City, Guangxin District, West Binjiang Road