![Mayo Clinic home page [logo]](/images-global/mayologo.gif)
Share this site with others using one of these sharing tools.
To link to this article, paste this block of HTML code onto your webpage.
Guidelines for sites linking to mayoclinic.orgEach year, Mayo Clinic physicians treat more than 2,000 people with ulcerative colitis. Mayo doctors are internationally known for their expertise in treating this disorder and for comprehensive and supportive patient care.
At the Mayo inflammatory bowel disease clinics in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota, ulcerative colitis patients work closely with an integrated team that may include specialists in gastroenterology, colorectal surgery, radiology, pathology and nutritional care. Mayo Clinic patients also have access to some of the world's leading experts and researchers on ulcerative colitis.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is ranked No. 1 in Digestive Disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings.
Because a correct diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, Mayo offers the latest screening and diagnostic services for ulcerative colitis, including laboratory and radiology tests and state-of-the art endoscopy procedures. In many cases, you can be diagnosed and start treatment in just three or four days. Read more about ulcerative colitis diagnosis.
The goals in treating ulcerative colitis are to eliminate symptoms, prevent flare-ups (maintain long-term remission) and restore quality of life. For most people, medications can control symptoms and promote healing. The majority of patients need surgery only if they can't tolerate effective medications or tests detect precancerous changes in the colon. For these patients, Mayo offers one of the largest colorectal surgery programs in the world and surgeons who are at the forefront of minimally invasive surgery for ulcerative colitis.
Read more about ulcerative colitis treatment options.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis causes chronic inflammation in the inner lining of the rectum and colon, leading to abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, bleeding and weight loss. Symptoms may be mild or severe, and bouts of serious illness often alternate with periods of remission. Some people have remissions that last for years, but the disease usually recurs throughout life. Read more about ulcerative colitis.
Sam and Laura Kirstein biked across the country to show that people with inflammatory bowel disease can still lead an active life. "If you persevere, there is light at the end of the tunnel."
Read Sam and Laura's story.
Read all patient stories.
"Mayo Clinic has changed my life..." Read Daniel Rothamel's blog post about treatment for Chronic Ulcerative Colitis.
.
