Assessing colectomies due to Clostridium difficile infection: increases in the community, but not in the referral center.

To investigate an increase in CDI-related colectomies, electronically available data were used to identify patients who underwent colectomy and were diagnosed with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), with chart review to determine whether the colectomy was for CDI. The investigation found an increase in CDI-related colectomies for CDI not associated with the study institution. Electronically available data facilitated surveillance for severe CDI.