[Role of care surgery in the treatment of pseudomembranous colitis]

Abstract

Background: Pseudomembranous colitis, caused by Clostridium difficile, has seen an increased incidence in recent years, driven mainly by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. Although initial treatment is medical, the role of emergency surgery has gained ground due to high mortality and the emergence of increasingly virulent strains. In our country the prevalence is still low so that sometimes our experience in handling is limited.

Aim: To analyze our surgical experience in treatment of this disease and to remember the role of surgery as well as some technical aspects of it.

Clinical cases: We present 2 cases of patients who have suffered a fulminant pseudomembranous colitis unresponsive to initial medical treatment and requiring urgent surgical intervention with a good response to it.

Conclusions: It is important to keep in mind the surgical option in treatment of pseudomembranous colitis, especially when it presents as fulminant colitis, there are associated complications or failure to respond to medical treatment.

Keywords: Cirugía; Clostridium difficile; Colitis pseudomembranosa; Pseudomembranous colitis; Surgery.