Is partial colectomy the operation of choice in pediatric Clostridium difficile colitis?

This study examined the national trends in incidence and surgical management of pediatric Clostridium difficle colitis (CDC) hospitalizations. This was a cross-sectional Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) analysis of pediatric CDC from 2000 to 2008. Data analysis included patient demographics, procedures, length of stay (LOS), total hospital charges (THC), and in-hospital mortality. During the 9-year study period, the total number of CDC hospitalizations per year increased almost twofold, from 2,513 in 2000 to 4,817 in 2008. The rate per 100,000 discharges followed a similar trend, increasing from 38.08 in 2000 to 72.57 in 2008. Abdominal colectomy was performed in 0.35 %, with partial colectomy performed more often than total colectomy. Mortality, mean LOS, and mean THC were not statistically different between partial versus total colectomy. Children with ulcerative colitis were more likely to undergo total colectomy, (OR 35.700, CI 11.025-115.98, P < 0.001). Infants under the age of 1 year were less likely to undergo total colectomy (OR 0.568, 0.477-0.677, P < 0.001). Pediatric hospitalizations for CDC are on the rise. Partial colectomy is performed more often than total colectomy without statistical compromise of mortality, length of stay, and total hospital charges. Further studies are needed to determine the standard surgical management of pediatric CDC.