Ulcerative colitis, one of two conditions classified as inflammatory bowel disease, is a chronic illness affecting the colon and rectum. Crohn’s, the other inflammatory bowel disease, can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract.
Specialized Treatment
The Digestive Health Center offers comprehensive care for patients with ulcerative colitis, including both inpatient and outpatient services. We’ll make sure you get the specialized treatment you need as we work with our team of radiologists, surgeons and pathologists.
What’s the Difference Between Colitis and Ulcerative Colitis?
Colitis is an inflammation of the colon accompanied by abdominal pain, bloody stools and diarrhea. It can last days or even longer. Ulcerative colitis is a long-term immune system disorder affecting parts of the colon and rectum that includes both inflammation and ulcers, a type of tiny sore in your colon’s lining.
Types of Ulcerative Colitis
Your Digestive Health Center doctor will help you understand ulcerative colitis and how to manage this lifelong disease. Here are the types of ulcerative colitis:
Ulcerative proctitis: A mild form of ulcerative colitis, usually affecting less than six inches of the rectum. Symptoms can include diarrhea, rectal bleeding and a steady urge to empty the bowel regardless of stool’s presence.
Left-sided colitis: Inflammation only on the left side of the colon. Symptoms can include diarrhea, a sensation of always needing to have a bowel movement, abdominal or rectal pain, rectal spasms and weight loss.
Extensive colitis: Extensive inflammation of the colon. Symptoms can include bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Ulcerative Colitis Screenings & Tests/Treatments
- Colonoscopy
- Stool test
- Imaging tests: CT scan, MRI
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Immunomodulator drugs: These drugs reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system
- Biologics: Antibodies created in the laboratory that stop certain proteins in the body from producing inflammation
- Dietary changes: Recommendations from a registered dietitian
Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis
When other treatment options do not control the symptoms of ulcerative colitis, surgery may be necessary. The Crohn’s and Colitis foundation estimates that 25-40 percent of people with ulcerative colitis eventually require surgery. Our team of Colorectal Surgeons offer the most advanced, minimally invasive surgical treatment options available.
There are two common procedures performed for ulcerative colitis:
Proctocolectomy with ileostomy: Removal of the colon and rectum and then an opening is created to connect the ileum, the lower part of the small intestine, to the skin of the abdomen. Attaching a bag, called an ostomy pouch to the opening, allows waste from the small intestine to empty into the pouch.
Proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA): Removal of the colon and rectum and creation of an internal pouch that eliminates the need for a permanent external ostomy.