Management of Severe Clostridioides difficile Infection.

Abstract

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) severe enough to potentially require surgery represents a minority of patients with CDI. This cohort of individuals is characterized by severe sepsis with organ failure, despite the use of appropriate antibiotics directed against C difficile. In this article, a review of classification schemes for CDI severity is provided, and surgical treatment options (total colectomy vs diversion with a loop ileostomy and colonic lavage) are discussed. An overview of key principles for surgical consultation is also provided in an effort to both ensure that medical therapy is truly optimized while offering surgical intervention in a timely manner.