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Published on: December 8, 2014
Clostridium difficile Infection After Ileostomy Reversal
Ho Seung Kim1, Jae Hyun Kang1, Han-Gil Kim1
1Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) after ileostomy reversal is rare, with few reports available in the available literature describing this condition. The diagnosis of CDI after ileostomy reversal is challenging because symptoms such as diarrhea observed in these patients can occur frequently after surgery. However, CDI can be fatal, so early diagnosis and prompt treatment are important. We discuss 2 patients with positive C. difficile toxin assay results on stool cultures performed after ileostomy reversal. Clinical progression differed between these patients: one patient who presented with severe CDI and shock was successfully treated following a prolonged intensive care unit stay for the management of vital signs and underwent hemodialysis, while another patient showed symptoms of mild colitis but we could not confirm whether diarrhea was associated with CDI or with the usual postoperative state. To our knowledge, these represent 2 of just a few cases reported in the literature describing CDI after ileostomy reversal.
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