Timing of Last Preoperative Dose of Infliximab Does Not Increase Postoperative Complications in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients.

BACKGROUND

The association between preoperative use of infliximab and postoperative complications in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a subject of continued debate. Results from studies examining an association between the timing of last preoperative dose of infliximab and postoperative complications remain inconsistent.

AIMS: To assess whether timing of last dose of infliximab prior to surgery affects the rate of postoperative complications in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of IBD patients who have undergone surgery while receiving therapy with infliximab was conducted. Forty-seven patients were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

No significant association was found between timing of infliximab and the rate of postoperative complications. Age, gender, disease type, steroid use, preoperative status, surgery type, or surgeon type was not associated with increased rate of postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Timing of last dose of infliximab does not affect the rate of postoperative complications in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.