Surgery for fulminant infection

Fulminant Clostridium difficile infection is an important clinical entity for surgeons given the increasing incidence and severity of the disease worldwide. Indications for surgery have not been standardized, but a worsening clinical picture from serial examination, laboratory evaluation, or overall clinical status appears to warrant surgical intervention. Total abdominal colectomy with end ileostomy confers a modest survival advantage but historical mortality rates range from 35% to 80% in small series.
Source: Seminars in Colon and Rectal Surgery - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Source Type: research