A systematic review and meta-analysis of diverting loop ileostomy versus total abdominal colectomy for the treatment of Clostridium difficile colitis.

BACKGROUND

Clostridium difficile is an increasingly common source of in-patient morbidity and mortality. We aim to assess the effects of diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) versus total abdominal colectomy (TAC) for Clostridium difficile colitis (CDC), in terms of mortality and morbidity.

METHODS

Systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for randomized and non-randomized studies comparing DLI and TAC for fulminant CDC. Meta-analysis was carried out for mortality and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Five non-randomized studies qualified for inclusion in the quantitative synthesis. In total, 3683 patients were allocated to DLI (n = 733) or TAC (n = 2950). The overall mortality was equivalent (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.45-1.20; P = 0.22). Regarding secondary outcomes, the pooled analysis revealed the following equivalent rates of postoperative events: thromboembolism (OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.14-1.43; P = 0.18), acute renal failure (OR 1.71; 95% CI 0.91-3.23; P = 0.10), surgical site infection (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.11-8.59; P = 0.97), pneumonia (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.36-2.66; P = 0.97), urinary tract infection (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.26-2.52; P = 0.72), and reoperation (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.50-1.82; P = 0.78). The ostomy reversal rate was significantly higher in DLI (OR 12.55; 95% CI 3.31-47.55; P = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall morbidity and mortality rates between DLI and TAC for the treatment of CDC seemed to be equivalent. Evidence from a randomized controlled trial is needed to clarify the timing and understand the impact of DLI for CDC.