Ulcerative Colitis Cure

Surgery is the only cure for ulcerative colitis. An estimated 4 out of every 10 people with ulcerative colitis will need to have their colon (large intestine) and rectum removed. Surgery is usually a viable treatment option for people who have ulcerative colitis that is not relieved by medication or lifestyle changes. However, surgery is not recommended for many people with mild or moderate forms of the disease.

Information on Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis Cure -- An Overview

There is only one cure for ulcerative colitis -- surgery. For a lot of people with mild or moderate ulcerative colitis, this option is not recommended. This is because there are ways of controlling ulcerative colitis without resorting to surgery. Among the things that can help control ulcerative colitis are diet and other lifestyle changes, as well as medications. But surgery is a viable option for people with severe ulcerative colitis that is not relieved by medication or lifestyle changes.

Surgery as a Cure for Ulcerative Colitis

It is estimated that up to 4 out of every 10 people with ulcerative colitis will eventually need to have their colon (large intestine) and rectum removed.

There are several ways that ulcerative colitis surgery can be done. Some approaches involve the placement of a pouch to collect waste matter. However, there are newer approaches that do not require the placement of a pouch. In these cases, the person should expect a number of watery bowel movements per day. If you need to have surgery, you and your healthcare professional should decide together what the best option is for you.

While many people don't like the idea of having surgery, it's good to know that you don't need your large intestine to stay alive, and that ulcerative colitis surgery does usually cure this disease.

Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD

Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD