Ulcerative Colitis

What is Ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory condition of the colon which is multi-factorial in origin. It classically involves more of the large intestine which can resent with ulcers and bleeding.

What are the symptoms of ulcerative colitis?

• 1. Diarrhea, repeated attacks of diarrhea not settling with conventional management. Sometimes stools may contain mucous.
• 2. Blood in stools, causing anemia can be one of the presenting symptoms in ulcerative colitis
• 3. Pain abdomen, not a primary presenting symptom but can be present in ulcerative colitis
• 4. Cancer, is one of the most dreaded complications

How do we diagnose Ulcerative colitis?

Colonoscopy with biopsy is the investigation of choice for diagnosis of ulcerative colitis

In case of any suspected malignancy CECT and MRI are considered

How is ulcerative colitis treated?

Majority of patients are managed with medicines. These medicines are available in both tablet form and enemas.

Patients where symptoms are not relieved with medicines or in patients with complications surgery may be considered which may be limited or total colectomy depending on the site of the diseased segment.