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Indications for surgery

Authoring team

With ulcerative colitis, emergency surgery is indicated for: (1,2)

  • haemorrhage
  • perforation
  • toxic megacolon
  • severe flares which have failed course of high dose steroids, complete bowel rest and intravenous feeding
  • development of colonic carcinoma

Elective surgery is indicated for:

  • intractable symptoms
  • long-standing active disease which increases the risk of carcinoma
  • intolerable side effects of medical treatment
  • development of mucosal dysplasia
  • diagnosis of carcinoma
  • colonic stricture
  • growth retardation in children

Reference

  1. NICE. Ulcerative colitis: management. NICE guideline NG130. Published May 2019, reviewed February 2025
  2. Rubin DT, Ananthakrishnan AN, Siegel CA, et al. ACG clinical guideline: ulcerative colitis in adults. Am J Gastroenterol. 2019 Mar;114(3):384-413.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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