Short-term colectomy is avoided in over half of regional patients failing medical therapy for acute severe ulcerative colitis with co-ordinated transfer and tertiary care

Abstract

Background and aims: Many patients presenting with an acute severe ulcerative colitis to a regional hospital are transferred to a metropolitan hospital for specialised care. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes and characteristics of these patients.

Method: A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted to examine the 30-day colectomy rate using prospectively collected data on 69 consecutive index cases of acute severe ulcerative colitis transferred from regional hospitals to our metropolitan hospital meeting Truelove and Witts criteria. Those that avoided colectomy were followed out to 1 year to examine outcomes.

Results: The 30-day colectomy rate was 46.4% (32/69) in regional transfer patients. Rescue therapy was administered to 65% (45/69) of patients after transfer to our metropolitan hospital. Colectomy was avoided in 55% of these patients at 30 days. Colectomy free status was maintained in 78% (29/39) of these patients. Mortality was 0% at 30 days and 1 year.

Conclusion: Over 50% of the patients failing therapy in a regional centre and requiring transfer avoided short term colectomy with co-ordinated referral for rescue therapy in a tertiary metropolitan inflammatory bowel disease unit. These patients would have ultimately required colectomy in their regional hospital without intervention.

Keywords: inflammatory bowel disease; outcome assessment; regional and rural; ulcerative colitis.