Surgical management of ulcerative colitis. A review

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease that involves the inner lining (mucosa) of the colon and the rectum. The cause remains unknown, only surgical removal of the entire colon and rectum is a cure. This disease is characterized for remissions and exacerbations of colitis associated with abdominal cramps, rectal bleeding and diarrhea. It is more frequent in the fourth decade of age, and includes local and systemic effects secondary to medical therapy. There is not specific medical cure, however, the ideal surgery for ulcerative colitis consists in the removal of all diseased bowel and to let the patient continue a normal bowel function, free from medication and little lifestyle alterations.