Elective and emergent operative management of ulcerative colitis

Approximately 25% of patients who have ulcerative colitis ultimately require colectomy for the management of their disease. The precise indication for surgical intervention plays an important role in the choice of surgical procedure chosen. Although most patients (and their surgeons) have the luxury of an elective resection, a small but significant number of patients require emergent therapy, the nature of which may well alter the possibility of subsequent restorative procedures.