Treatment and surgery for ulcerative colitis in Fort Worth, Texas
Alliance Colorectal Specialists provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis.
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease. Symptoms include lower left abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and mucus in stools. Because symptoms can be similar to those for Crohn’s disease, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis.
How is ulcerative colitis different from Crohn’s disease?
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are very similar in terms of symptoms, but there are some key differences between the two conditions.
Where it occurs
Ulcerative colitis occurs in your colon, while Crohn's disease can occur anywhere from your mouth to your anus.
The type of inflammation
Ulcerative colitis generally causes inflammation in your entire colon, whereas Crohn's disease often affects the end of the small intestine and the beginning of the colon. Crohn’s may also affect the entire colon, rectum and anus.
Where it hurts
While ulcerative colitis pain is typically on the left side of your abdomen, Crohn's disease pain is usually located in the central abdomen.
The best way to determine which of the two conditions you're dealing with is a consultation with Alliance Colorectal Specialists. Our doctor will review and/or perform the appropriate diagnostic tests for accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.
How is ulcerative colitis treated?
h4>Ulcerative colitis treatment depends on disease severity. For most patients, medications like 5-aminosalicylic acid, immunomodulators, biologics, or corticosteroids are effective. However, some patients will eventually need surgery.
Surgical options vary and are individualized for every patient. Proctocolectomy with ileal pouch (j-pouch) formation, in which the colon and rectum are removed, is the most common operation. Surgeons use this procedure to create a new internal pouch for stool storage and elimination. This avoids a permanent external ileostomy bag.