C. diff surgery a lifesaver?

A new procedure for patients with severe Clostridium difficile colitis could allow them to have a higher chance of survival and preserve their colon.

Instead of a partial or total removal of the colon, Brian Zuckerbraun, M.D., and his colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh performed a minimally invasive temporary loop ilestomy with colonic lavage. A study of 42 patients supported his findings: The 30-day mortality was 19%, compared to the 50% rate for patients in a different study who had a subtotal colectomy. Zuckerbraun presented his findings at the annual meeting of the American Surgical Association.

From the June 2011 Issue of McKnight's Long Term Care News »

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