Could a fecal transplant stop dangerous brain fog after liver surgery?

NCT ID NCT07683936

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Air Force Military Medical University, China Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 06, 2026 · Last updated Jul 07, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) — transferring stool from healthy donors into the gut — can help prevent repeated episodes of hepatic encephalopathy (a serious brain condition) in people who have had TIPS surgery for liver problems. The trial enrolls 26 adults who still experience encephalopathy despite standard treatment with rifaximin and lactulose. Participants receive FMT via a nasojejunal tube for three days, and half also get a prebiotic fiber supplement for four weeks. Researchers will track recurrence of encephalopathy, safety, and changes in gut bacteria over six months.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) with or without prebiotic fiber
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could offer a new way to prevent repeated episodes of hepatic encephalopathy in people who have had TIPS surgery, reducing hospitalizations and improving quality of life.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small study with only 26 participants, so results may not apply broadly. FMT carries risks of infection, gastrointestinal side effects, or worsening of encephalopathy, and the long-term safety is not yet known.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for FECAL MICROBIOTA TRANSPLANTATION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

hepatic encephalopathy

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

FECAL MICROBIOTA TRANSPLANTATION HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY REFRACTORY HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY TIPS

Contacts and locations

Show contact details

Study contacts

Contact

Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital
RECRUITING

Xi'an, China

Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.