Proctocolectomy is removal of the entire colon, including the lower part of the rectum and the sphincter muscles that control bowel movements. It can achieve a complete cure, but it is a last resort.
Ileostomy. In some proctocolectomies, the surgeon creates an opening in the abdominal wall (called a stoma) to allow passage of waste material. This part of the procedure is referred to as an ileostomy, and the stoma is created in the lower right corner...
Read moreLast month we talked with Lou Ann about her daughter's UC. This is a little bit about some of the Monica's dietary struggles and some of... Read more »
I have had ulcerative colitis for years, and it began when I stopped smoking. I have read that there may be an association. I... Read more »
Ten years ago when I was finally diagnosed with UC I was given Asacol, a 5-ASA drug, to get the inflammation in my colon under control.... Read more »
See Part I of this series for more Q&A from Dr. Eisner The arthritis in my knee has been acting up lately. A rheumatologist... Read more »
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) hosted a web/tele-conference this past week called, Ulcerative Colitis - The A to Z of... Read more »
A parent whose son will be undergoing surgery for ulcerative colitis wants to know the benefits and drawbacks of the J-pouch procedure. According to... Read more »
Source: Harvard Decision Guide
To confirm a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, most patients will need to have either flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Both procedures involve... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Complications in the IntestineMalabsorption and Malnutrition. Malabsorption is the inability of the intestines to absorb nutrients. In IBD, this... Read more »
Experts say that about 20 percent of the patients who have ulcerative colitis will eventually undergo surgery. For some patients the procedure... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
There is no definitive diagnostic test for ulcerative colitis, although findings on biopsy and barium x-rays, as well as appearance during endoscopy... Read more »