Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colon Cancer

3. I have ulcerative colitis and my doctor is concerned about colon cancer. If I do have colon cancer, will I need a colostomy bag?

While every case is different, there have been a lot of developments in the surgical treatment of both ulcerative colitis and colon cancer. If in fact you do have colon cancer and need to have your entire colon removed, you should discuss all treatment options and types of surgery with your gastroenterologist and colorectal surgeon. It is good to know however, that restorative proctocolectomy or ileoanal pouch anal anastomosis are available options to prevent the need for a permanent colostomy bag.