1. What is FMT?
Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) is a medical procedure designed to restore the balance of gut bacteria by transferring microbiota from a healthy, screened donor into the patient’s gastrointestinal tract. This can be performed through capsules, colonoscopy, or enema.
FMT is already recognized as one of the most effective treatments for recurrent Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections. Beyond this, growing research shows that FMT may play a role in improving many other health conditions connected to gut microbiome imbalance.
Clinical and preclinical studies suggest potential benefits for:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Randomized controlled trials show significant symptom improvement and better quality of life in some patients receiving FMT (Frontiers in Immunology, 2023).
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) & Ulcerative Colitis (UC) – Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses demonstrate that FMT significantly increases both clinical and endoscopic remission rates in active UC compared to placebo (PubMed, 2023).
- Parkinson’s Disease – Systematic reviews highlight improvements in motor and non-motor symptoms following FMT in selected studies (Frontiers in Neuroscience, 2025).
- Alzheimer’s Disease – Animal models demonstrate reduced amyloid-β deposition, decreased neuroinflammation, and improved cognition after FMT (Nature, 2019).
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – Early studies suggest FMT may improve both gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms in children with ASD, with some benefits lasting for years after treatment (Scientific Reports, 2019 ).
Other conditions under investigation include Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Depression, Anxiety, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Crohn’s Disease, Psoriasis, Obesity, Cardiovascular Disease, and certain types of Cancer.
At EnvaBiome in Istanbul, Türkiye, we provide FMT procedures with the highest safety standards. Every donor is rigorously screened, and treatments are conducted under strict medical supervision to ensure both safety and effectiveness.
2. Why Choose FMT in Istanbul, Türkiye?
Türkiye has become one of the world’s leading destinations for medical tourism, offering advanced healthcare services at highly competitive prices. Istanbul, in particular, combines internationally accredited medical facilities with experienced specialists, making it a trusted choice for patients from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Choosing FMT in Istanbul offers several unique advantages:
- World-Class Medical Standards – Many hospitals and clinics in Türkiye are JCI-accredited and follow strict international safety protocols.
- Affordable Treatment Costs – FMT procedures in Türkiye are significantly more cost-effective compared to the U.S. or Western Europe, without compromising quality.
- Experienced Specialists – Istanbul attracts top doctors and researchers with extensive experience in microbiome-related therapies.
- Accessibility – Istanbul is a global hub, with direct flights from major cities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, making travel convenient and affordable.
- Patient-Centered Care – Clinics like EnvaBiome focus on personalized treatment plans, thorough donor screening, and ongoing patient support.
By choosing FMT in Türkiye with EnvaBiome, patients not only benefit from cutting-edge microbiome therapy but also from the cultural richness and hospitality that make Istanbul a unique and supportive healing environment.
3. EnvaBiome’s Approach
At EnvaBiome, our FMT procedures are designed with precision, safety, and effectiveness in mind. What sets us apart is our commitment to using fresh stool transplants—not capsules or frozen samples.
Studies have shown that fresh microbiota keeps more of the good bacteria alive and diverse, which may lead to better results. For example, research has found that freezing stool samples can reduce the number of live bacteria and lower diversity, while fresh preparations preserve these important microorganisms much better (PubMed, MDPI, The Lancet).
We perform transplantation through:
- Colonoscopy – to deliver the microbiota directly to the cecum, the beginning of the large intestine where colonization is most effective.
- Endoscopy – to reach the entrance of the small intestine, passing carefully through the stomach to ensure broad microbiome distribution.
Another unique aspect of our service is that patients have the option to bring their own donor, provided the donor successfully passes our comprehensive medical and laboratory screening. This ensures safety while giving families more flexibility and peace of mind.
At EnvaBiome, every step is performed under strict medical supervision with advanced equipment, in line with international healthcare standards.
4. FMT Procedure at EnvaBiome
Our FMT program is designed to be smooth, safe, and comfortable for international patients. The process usually takes three days and is supported by our team every step of the way.
Treatment Process
- Day 1 – Preparation: Begin a simple liquid diet to prepare your digestive system. We provide the full diet package directly to your hotel.
- Day 2 – Cleansing: Take a prescribed laxative to fully cleanse the bowels. Medication is also delivered to your hotel for convenience.
- Day 3 – Procedure: Undergo the FMT under medical supervision. The procedure is performed via colonoscopy (to reach the cecum in the large intestine) and endoscopy (to reach the entrance of the small intestine). If necessary, a biopsy may be taken from the stomach or colon during the procedure.
What’s Included in the Treatment Package
- Provision of the liquid diet package (delivered to your hotel)
- Provision of laxatives (delivered to your hotel)
- VIP transfer between hotel and hospital
- ECG and pre-anesthesia tests (if necessary)
- FMT via colonoscopy and endoscopy
- Biopsy (if required, based on medical evaluation)
- 20–30 minutes of monitoring at the hospital after the procedure
- Doctor consultation after treatment
- VIP transfer back to your hotel
5. Donor Selection Criteria
At EnvaBiome, donor safety and quality are at the heart of our FMT program. We carefully select healthy individuals between the ages of 20 and 29, ensuring that only the most suitable donors are chosen.
Lifestyle and Health Standards
- Donors do not use antibiotics, alcohol, cigarettes, recreational drugs, or antidepressants.
- They maintain an active lifestyle and an ideal BMI.
- Their diet is closely monitored, and we communicate with them personally to track their health and habits.
Regular Medical Testing
To guarantee safety, all donors undergo regular stool and blood tests. These screenings rule out gastrointestinal pathogens, viral infections, and other health risks.
Stool Tests (Pathogens screened):
- Salmonella spp.
- Yersinia enterolitica
- Campylobacter spp.
- Clostridium difficile toxin A & B
- Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) Stx1/2
- Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC, eae)
- Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC, elt/est)
- Shigella / Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC, ipaH)
- Entamoeba histolytica
- Cryptosporidium spp.
- Dientamoeba fragilis
- Giardia lamblia
- Adenovirus (F40/41)
- Astrovirus
- Rotavirus (A)
- Norovirus (GI/GII/GIV)
- Sapovirus (GI/GII/GIV/GV)
Blood Tests (Infections screened):
- HBsAg (Hepatitis B)
- VDRL (Syphilis)
- HIV 1/2
- HCV (Hepatitis C)
By maintaining strict donor selection criteria and ongoing monitoring, we ensure that every transplant performed at EnvaBiome meets the highest safety and quality standards in Türkiye.
6. Meet Our Doctor
Assoc. Prof. Coşkun Çakır is a leading expert in gut health and an essential part of our medical team. With over two decades of clinical practice, he brings unmatched expertise and a patient-centered approach to every treatment at EnvaBiome. His dedication to combining surgical precision with compassionate care makes him a trusted figure in the field of gastroenterology.
About Dr. Coşkun Çakır
Dr. Çakır currently practices at Avicenna Hospital and contributes his expertise in Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) at EnvaBiome, a center focused on advancing gut health through safe, personalized, and effective treatments.
He has over 21 years of medical experience, including 10 years as Chief of Endoscopy at a major training and research hospital. Throughout his career, Dr. Çakır has pioneered gastrointestinal surgery techniques and remains dedicated to innovation in endoscopic and microbiome-related therapies.
You can view Dr. Çakır’s research and academic publications on ResearchGate.
Achievements
- 21+ years of medical practice
- 10 years as Chief of Endoscopy Department
- Pioneer in advanced gastrointestinal surgery techniques
7. Patient Travel & Support
At EnvaBiome, we know that traveling for medical care can feel overwhelming. That’s why our team provides complete support – from your first contact with us until you return home. All you need to do is share your preferences, and we’ll take care of the details.
Accommodation Options
We help you find a stay that best matches your comfort and budget. Options include:
- Hotels near our clinic for maximum convenience
- Hotels in the city center for a more cultural experience
- Airbnb or serviced apartments for longer stays or family visits
Simply let us know your needs, and we will suggest the most suitable places to stay.
Transportation & Transfers
Your treatment package already includes 4 free VIP transfers:
- Airport → Hotel
- Hotel → Airport
- Hotel → Hospital
- Hospital → Hotel
If you require extra transfers, just let us know. We can also arrange alternative options such as Uber, TAG (local ride-sharing service), or additional VIP transfers for a more personalized experience.
Ongoing Support
From test kits to pre-arrival guidance, our coordinators are always available to answer questions and make your journey stress-free. Whether it’s about logistics, diet, or extra services, you can count on us to guide you at every step.