Clostridium difficile enteritis after colectomy

Am Surg. 2009 Dec;75(12):1203-6.

Abstract

Clostridium difficile infection of the colon is, unfortunately, a relatively common occurrence that typically follows treatment with antibiotics; however, C. difficile infection of the small bowel is a much more rare phenomenon with only 19 cases reported to date. We present three cases of isolated C. difficile enteritis after colectomy. Although all three patients were identified early and successfully treated with medical management without the need for surgical intervention, previous authors have suggested a much higher morbidity and mortality rate with this infection. This article reviews the current available literature on C. difficile enteritis to highlight this potentially serious condition in postoperative colectomy patients who present with low-grade fevers, abdominal or pelvic pain, and increased ileostomy output.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Colectomy / adverse effects*
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / drug therapy
  • Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ileostomy
  • Male
  • Metronidazole / administration & dosage
  • Middle Aged
  • Vancomycin / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Metronidazole
  • Vancomycin