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Each year more than 2,000 patients seek treatment at Mayo Clinic for their ulcerative colitis. Patients are treated by a team of specialists — gastroenterologists, colorectal surgeons and pathologists — and have access to the latest therapies and leading experts and researchers on inflammatory bowel disease. This means an optimal treatment of flare-ups for better quality of life and longer remissions. In many cases, patients are diagnosed and treatment begins in three to four days. Surgery is necessary in some cases and can completely cure the condition. Mayo surgeons are at the forefront of minimally invasive surgery. Mayo maintains a database of information on more than 2,300 patients to help assess the effectiveness of treatments.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., ranked No. 1 among U.S. hospitals in the specialty of digestive disorders in the 2006 U.S. News Best Hospitals ranking.
Mayo offers the latest screening and diagnostic services for ulcerative colitis. Diagnostic tools include laboratory and radiology tests and endoscopic procedures. Physicians work together to rule out other diseases such as Crohn's disease, diverticulitis and colorectal cancer. A correct diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Read more about ulcerative colitis diagnosis.
The primary goal of treating ulcerative colitis is to reduce the inflammation that triggers symptoms. In many cases, medication can control symptoms, but surgery may be required when medical therapy fails or if signs of colon cancer develop. Ulcerative colitis can be cured by removal of the entire colon. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the disease, the presence of complications and the patient's response to medications. Read more about ulcerative colitis treatment options.
Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the lining of the large intestine
Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the lining of the large intestine. Ulcers form where the inflammation has killed the cells lining the colon; the ulcers bleed and produce pus. The inflammation usually occurs in the rectum and lower part of the colon. The inflammation makes the colon empty frequently, causing diarrhea. Ulcerative colitis rarely affects the small intestine except for the end section (terminal ileum).
Ulcerative colitis can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other intestinal disorders and to Crohn's disease. However, the inflammation caused by Crohn's disease is deeper within the intestinal wall. Also, Crohn's disease usually occurs in the small intestine, although it can also occur in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, large intestine, appendix and anus.
People of any age can get ulcerative colitis, but most often it starts between 15 and 30, less frequently between 50 and 70. Children and adolescents sometimes develop the disease. Ulcerative colitis affects men and women equally and appears to run in some families.
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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.
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