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Understanding the condition
Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum. Symptoms can include bloody diarrhea, urgency and abdominal discomfort. Severe flares can require hospital treatment.
What the evaluation looks for
Evaluation considers disease extent, response to medicines, nutrition and surveillance findings. Bleeding, infection and complications must be assessed when symptoms worsen.
How treatment is chosen
Medicines often control the disease. Surgery may be needed for severe complications, inadequate control or concerning precancerous or cancerous changes. Removing the colon and rectum treats colitis in those organs; decisions about an ileostomy or pouch require a detailed discussion of function and ongoing care.
Questions worth asking
- Why is surgery being considered now?
- What are the practical differences between reconstruction options?
- Will treatment require more than one operation?
When to seek help promptly
Frequent bloody stools with fever, marked abdominal swelling, severe pain or dehydration warrants urgent assessment.