Systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes following emergency surgery for Clostridium difficile colitis

Only a small proportion of patients with severe Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) undergo emergency surgery, the timing and nature of which is unclear. The aim of this study was to describe the operations performed and to identify factors predictive of death following emergency surgery for CDI.

A systematic review of published literature was performed for studies comparing survivors and non-survivors of emergency surgery for CDI. Meta-analysis was carried out for 30-day and in-hospital mortality.

Overall 31 studies were included, which presented data on a total of 1433 patients undergoing emergency surgery for CDI. Some 1·1 per cent of all patients with CDI and 29·9 per cent with severe CDI underwent emergency surgery, although rates varied between studies (0·2-7·6 and 2·2-86 per cent respectively). The most commonly performed operation was total colectomy with end ileostomy (89·0 per cent, 1247 of 1401 detailed surgical procedures). When total colectomy with end ileostomy was not performed, reoperation to resect further bowel was needed in 15·9 per cent (20 of 126). Where described, the 30-day mortality rate was 41·3 per cent (160 of 387). Meta-analysis of high-quality studies revealed that the strongest predictors of postoperative death were those relating to preoperative physiological status: preoperative intubation, acute renal failure, multiple organ failure and shock requiring vasopressors.

This systematic review supports total colectomy with end ileostomy as the primary surgical treatment for patients with severe CDI; other surgical procedures are associated with high rates of reoperation and mortality. Less extensive surgery may have a role in selected patients with earlier-stage disease.