From the Research
Antibiotics are a crucial component of treatment for stercoral colitis, and the recommended regimen includes broad-spectrum coverage with a combination of antibiotics. The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2025, which highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment of stercoral colitis to reduce morbidity and mortality 1. Key points to consider in the management of stercoral colitis include:
- The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics to cover gram-negative, gram-positive, and anaerobic bacteria that may be involved in the infection
- Fecal disimpaction, bowel rest, and IV fluids as part of the initial management
- Close monitoring for complications such as perforation, which may require surgical intervention
- Prevention of recurrence through proper bowel regimens, adequate hydration, and dietary fiber The study from 2024 also emphasizes the importance of timely recognition and appropriate treatment of stercoral colitis to reduce morbidity and mortality 2. However, the specific antibiotic regimen is not clearly defined in the provided studies, and the choice of antibiotics may depend on various factors, including the severity of the infection, patient comorbidities, and local antibiotic resistance patterns. In general, a combination of antibiotics such as piperacillin-tazobactam, metronidazole, and ciprofloxacin may be considered, but the specific regimen should be tailored to the individual patient's needs and guided by clinical judgment and local treatment guidelines. It is also important to note that the studies provided do not specifically address the use of antibiotics in stercoral colitis, but rather discuss the management of ulcerative colitis and other conditions, and therefore, the information provided is based on general principles of infectious disease management and may not be directly applicable to stercoral colitis. However, the study from 2023 provides a case report of a patient with stercoral colitis and discusses the diagnostic challenges and therapeutic approaches for this condition, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to management 3.