Is UC Surgery Right For You?

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease impacting the colon and rectum, ulcerative colitis can get uncomfortable fast. Although it can usually be managed with medication and lifestyle changes, sometimes these options simply aren’t enough.  Sometimes, due to medication failure, severe problems, and low quality of life, surgery is the only option.  Let’s break down the five primary surgeries for UC—colectomy, ileostomy, J-pouch surgery, ileoanal reservoir surgery, and proctocolectomy—and what they mean for you. 1. Colectomy A colectomy is basically the surgical removal of your color – a portion or the whole thing. In other words, a partial colectomy or a total colectomy. This procedure is used to eliminate the part of the colon that is giving you issues. If performed successfully, it can greatly reduce or cure problems like bleeding, diarrhea, and pain. 2. Ileostomy This surgery is where the small intestine (ileum) is redirected through your abdominal wall to form a stoma. When you have a bowel movement, waste goes through this stoma into an external pouch.  In other words, an Ileostomy bypasses your colon completely. It is a useful procedure for relieving symptoms and providing relief to a colon that is inflamed or diseased. Basically, the main plumbing of...