Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

Although the cause of ulcerative colitis is uncertain, in 90 per cent of cases the disease begins in the rectum. Usually, there are exacerbations and remissions to the stage at which operation is indicated. A properly individualized nonsurgical regimen sometimes effects permanent remission. When operation is indicated, the procedure usually followed at the Mayo Clinic is a one stage or two stage colectomy, excision of the rectum, and one of three types of ileostomy. With minimal rectal involvement, primary or secondary ileoproctostomy may be done.