Surgery provides a cure for ulcerative colitis by removing the affected area of the colon. But surgery is not for everyone - it comes with risks. For this reason, surgery is usually only recommended for:
About 1 in 3 people with ulcerative colitis will have surgery at some point in their lives.
After surgery you may need to wear a bag outside the body to collect solid waste. Instead of wearing a bag, some individuals may choose a procedure that involves the creation of a "pelvic pouch" from existing tissue that is inserted into the pelvis to collect waste inside the body. The involved portion of the intestine is attached to the anus, allowing normal bowel movements to occur. In some types of surgery with internal pouches, the pouch is connected to the outside of the body via a leak-resistant valve, where you eliminate the waste by leaning over a toilet and inserting a small tube through the valve.
Making the decision about surgery
Surgery can be a useful treatment option for people with ulcerative colitis. But it's important to understand the benefits and risks before making the decision to have surgery.
When you talk to your doctor about surgery, you may wish to ask:
If you have questions about surgery, talk to your doctor.
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