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In patients with inflammatory bowel disease, corticosteroids are generally considered the greatest medication-related risk factor for infection, including postoperative infection. Despite the growing prominence of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy, less is known about its potential for adverse effects in surgical patients. Investigators used U.S. claims data to assess risk for postoperative complications in 2476 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC; 56% men; mean age, 42) who received anti-TNF agents.
Subtotal colectomy was performed in 38% of patients, total proctocolectomy with end ileostomy in 14%, and total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch in 47%. In patients undergoing subtotal or end ileostomy, anti-TNF agents given within 90 da…