Department of Surgery

Division of Colorectal Surgery

Conditions We Treat

Ulcerative Colitis

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is one of the most common intestinal conditions under the umbrella of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). IBDs are believed to be autoimmune disorders, whereby cells that normally attack an invading disease overreact to “good” bacteria, causing inflammation and gradually eating away at the intestinal tract. Ulcers or breaks in the gut lining frequently result. With ulcerative colitis, only the inner lining of the bowel is inflamed. All or part of the colon and/or rectum might be affected.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

Symptoms vary from mild to moderate, but typically they include:

• Bloody diarrhea
• Rectal urgency and pain
• Abdominal cramps
• Weight loss and anemia are by-products of this condition.

Learn more about Ulcerative Colitis

Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis often goes into remission for years at a time, but it is marked by occasional flare-ups. These flare-ups can be controlled and even prevented with medication. Severe, persistent symptoms or complications may require additional medication or surgery.